Iowa State will play Saturday at Kansas State in search of its second victory over the Wildcats on the season. In the previous matchup, Iowa State topped Kansas State 61-53 at Hilton Coliseum in a game where it pulled away late in the second half.

The Cyclones’ track record in Manhattan isn’t great; Iowa State hasn’t won there since 2007.

“It’s really hard to win in the Big 12,” said senior shooting guard Kelsey Bolte. “When you travel anywhere in the Big 12, it’s going to be a good game, and it’s going to be close right down to the wire.”

In the previous matchup, Bolte led the Cyclones with 25 points in the victory. Sophomore center Anna Prins was the only other Cyclone in double figures with 10 points.

Iowa State also shook off their recent free throw woes in the final 1:30, making seven to pull away at the end of that game. For the Wildcats, it was Jalana Childs and Brittany Chambers leading the way with 21 and 19 points.

The Cyclones just finished playing four games in eight days, and with the Big 12 tournament fast approaching, coach Bill Fennelly has given his team some extra time to rest.

“This time of year, sometimes less is more,” Fennelly said. “Mentally and physically, it was a tough 10 days, so we erred on the side of caution and gave them two days off before getting back to the normal two-day preparation.”

This series also holds special meaning to Prins, who was recruited by Kansas State. Iowa State and Kansas State were actually her final two choices.

The last time Prins and the Cyclones visited Manhattan, Kan., the Wildcats came away with a 73-67 victory last season. Prins finished the game with 10 points and four rebounds.

The Cyclones are 2-6 on the road, but they have won 8 out of the last 12 meetings against the Wildcats and are currently on a two-game win streak. 

With that road record, Iowa State will need to get comfortable away from home, due to the fact they only have one more game remaining at Hilton this season.

“I think any games away are good practice for tournament time with getting to play in gyms that we’re not used to,” Prins said.

With a victory, Iowa State will move into fourth place in the Big 12 and be in the driver’s seat for a first-round bye in the conference tournament.

The game is set for 7 p.m.