When two teams play just once a year, it can be hard to keep track of each others’ strengths, weaknesses and tendencies.

The ISU women’s basketball team finds itself in that situation this week, as the Cyclones prepare for Wednesday’s homecourt showdown with Texas Tech (14-7, 2-5 Big 12).

“Texas Tech is now a totally different team,” said coach Bill Fennelly. “They have a lot of junior college transfers, and the scouting report is very different from last year. We usually go back and look at old tape, but that doesn’t do us much good with this one.”

Iowa State (13-7, 2-5) is facing a Texas Tech roster that currently includes nine players that have transferred after previous affiliations at other colleges. The Lady Raiders lost four of their starters from last year’s, which went 6-10 in the Big 12.

“It’s hard to remember teams you only play once a year,” said sophomore guard Alison Lacey. “And, since we don’t know their plays, focusing in on the scouting report is going to be very important for this game.”

Lady Raider coach Kristy Curry said teams like Iowa State are very tough to prepare for in a one-game situation because of her team’s inexperience.

“When someone executes like Iowa State, it’s been a test for us,” Curry said. “That’s something we haven’t passed very well so far, but hopefully we can do it [Wednesday] night.”

The Texas Tech game marks the beginning of a welcome three-game home stretch for the Cyclones, who have played four of their last six games on the road. They are recently coming off of a tough three-point road loss to Kansas.

A cardinal-and-gold-clad Hilton Coliseum crowd will be a welcome sight for the team, which is looking for a boost after dropping five of its last seven games.

“Everybody is more comfortable at home, and we’re happy to be here for awhile,” said Lacey. “Everyone feels like we’ve been traveling a lot this season, and we’re ready to play in front of people that will cheer for us.”

The Lady Raiders, who have lost six of their last eight games, rank second to last in the conference in scoring defense.

The two teams contrast each other offensively, as Tech gets a lot of its production out of the post position while the Cyclones feed off of guard play.

Iowa State leads the Big 12 in three-point percentage (.375), while the Lady Raiders rank last at just .290.

Junior college transfer Dominic Seals was tagged as the Big 12 Preseason Newcomer of the Year and has not disappointed. Last year she was named Selected State Farm/WBCA National Player of the Year. The junior is averaging 14.1 points and 9.1 rebounds per game so far this season.