Iowa State may only be three games back in the overall standings from Colorado, but when the two teams meet at Hilton Coliseum on Wednesday they’ll be focused on different goals.

The Cyclones (15-14, 2-12) are working to slow down the high scoring Buffaloes (18-11, 7-7) and prevent the visitors from getting any closer to an at-large bid into the NCAA Tournament.

ISU coach Fred Hoiberg’s team is locked in as the Big 12 Tournament’s 12th seed, but they want to walk in with momentum.

“When you feel good about yourselves, it’s a step in the right direction,” Hoiberg said. “Hopefully we can play well these next two games.”

Dropping altitudes from Boulder, Colo., to Ames has been unfriendly to the Buffaloes in recent years. The Cyclones have won 18 of the last 19 games between the two teams in Hilton Coliseum.

The advantage the visitors do have is the same roster mismatch they have in Colorado’s 95-69 victory Feb. 1.

“The cause match-up problems in the back court with their size, it’s going to be tough,” Hoiberg said. “[Alec] Burks is a load and [Cory] Higgins both strong guys, both can post. Colorado can score in bunches.”

The Cyclones have the advantage coming off a big win and hosting the emotional final game for the team’s seniors, but Colorado beat No. 7 Texas in a huge comeback Saturday and have shown how potent their offense can be against relaxed defenses.

Iowa State is just hoping to slow them down.

“You all saw the first game, they just ran us over,” said ISU senior forward Jamie Vanderbeken. “We have to get back in transition, that’s the focus for this game. They can score fast.”

Iowa State’s guards will have a challenge slowing down Burks and Higgins, who at 6 feet, 6 inches and 6 feet, 5 inches, combine for 35 points per game.

“Having those athletic wings could help any team out,” said senior guard Diante Garrett. “They’re really good, and with Burks coming off that big game against Texas that’s going to help them out.”

Both teams like to play on the offensive end and put in quick baskets. The Cyclones average 74.8 points per game, the most an ISU team has averaged since 2005-2006 but still under Colorado’s 79.4 points per contest.

“We know they’re going to come in here on a mission — we’ve got to come out, play extremely hard right from the jump ball,” Hoiberg said. “We will have a chance at the end of the game if we come out and play and play physical.”

Wednesday’s game tips off at 6:30 p.m. from Hilton Coliseum. It is likely the last time Iowa State and Colorado play as conference foes in basketball as Colorado moves to the Pac-10 next season. Iowa State leads the all-time series 76-69.