Hilton Coliseum is sure to be full of pink for the Cyclones’ annual Pink Zone event, however the Cyclones (18–4, 6–3 in the Big 12) will need to play with a heart of gold against conference rival Baylor (17–6, 4–5) on Saturday.

Iowa State finds itself in a four-way tie for second place in the Big 12. With Baylor being one of the last ranked teams the Cyclones will play and with tournament time only a month away, every game from here on out will be a must win.

“This is the last home game we have against a team that will be in the top 20, probably, barring something strange,” said coach Bill Fennelly. “It’s a great opportunity to add to what we’ve already done.”

Baylor enters Saturday’s game hoping to continue its six-game winning streak against the Cyclones. However, that might be a difficult task for the Lady Bears who hold a modest 4–5 record in the Big 12 after starting the season 13–1 overall record.

Despite Baylor’s struggles, one player has been electrifying all season long: freshman center Brittney Griner. At 6-foot-8-inches, Griner will give the Cyclones all they will be able to handle in the paint.

“She’s probably the most unique player in the women’s game right now and maybe one of the most unique players in our game, ever,” Fennelly said. “It’s certainly unlike any other player I’ve been around, she changes the game dramatically. She can score, certainly defensively she’s a one person goalie around the basket.”

Griner’s last two games have no doubt shown what she is capable of, putting together two straight triple doubles, hitting double digits in points, rebounds and blocked shots.

However, with all the talk about Griner’s defensive abilities, the Cyclones could have a potential advantage with the player who will be playing opposite her on Saturday, freshman center Anna Prins.

Prins has shown the ability to go outside and shoot the three-point shot which could very well give the Cyclones a chance to score against the Big 12’s leader in blocked shots.

“Just from what I’ve seen in her, she doesn’t particularly like to guard on the perimeter so I think that’s definitely an advantage for me,” Prins said.

Baylor will enter Saturday’s game short-handed. Junior guard Melissa Jones has missed six games overall this season due to injury. With Jones ranking second on the team in points, the Cyclones believe the loss of Jones will affect Baylor’s play on Saturday.

“[Jones] is a tough minded kid, she’s another offensive weapon, I think they would probably be a little big better team with her but the other kids they have are playing well too,“ Fennelly said. “But I don’t think there’s any question that [Jones’] toughness, her experience are a loss for their team.”

Jones is also the team’s leader in steals and with her hurt, the Cyclones hope both junior guard Kelsey Bolte and senior guard Alison Lacey will be able to put up big offensive numbers against guards Kelli Griffin and Terran Condrey. Previously against Oklahoma Griffin and Condrey allowed guards Nyeshia Stevenson and Danielle Robinson to score a combined 31 points.

“We need to come ready to shoot when we’re open,” Bolte said. “Coach always says don’t be surprised when you’re open so that’s one thing we’re really going to have to focus on, on Saturday.”

Saturday’s Pink Zone game will tip off at 11 a.m. at Hilton Coliseum.