When the sixth-ranked Kansas Jayhawks take the floor in Hilton Coliseum on Saturday, the ISU men’s basketball team will face their biggest challenge of the season, says coach Greg McDermott.

“We played Ohio State already this year,” McDermott said. “But I think Kansas is even more talented than they were, and they were pretty good.”

The Cyclones (11-5, 2-0 Big 12) lost in December to then-No. 4 Ohio State in Columbus, 75-56. Now, the Cyclones face another top-10 team in Kansas, who is on an eight-game winning streak.

The Jayhawks (14-2, 1-0 Big 12) have won all eight games in the streak by at least 10 points, including Wednesday night’s 87-57 drubbing of ninth-ranked Oklahoma State.

“They’re playing extremely well right now,” McDermott said. “What they were able to accomplish against [Oklahoma State] was very impressive.”

Kansas brings in a balanced attack led by sophomore guard Brandon Rush, who is one of four Jayhawks averaging over 10 points a game. Sophomore forward Julian Wright has also terrorized opponents, averaging 11 points and eight rebounds a contest.

“They’re talented across the board,” McDermott said. “You could flip a coin [on who to defend]. [Rush and Wright] are both amazing. They both can cut to the basket, they’re athletic and they can score in a variety of ways.

“And there are enough parts around them that it’s tough to provide a lot of help because you’ll get burned in other spots.”

Luckily for Iowa State, they come into the contest playing rather well.

Since the setback against the Buckeyes, Iowa State has won four straight, including a last-minute comeback victory at Missouri to start the conference season.

“It was important to get a win like [the one at Missouri],” McDermott said. “It builds confidence. Anytime that happens it just gives players confidence in coaches and coaches confidence in players and that’s just healthy for the program.”

The Cyclones recent hot streak is due in part to the improvement of ISU big man Jiri Hubalek. Hubalek has posted double-doubles in the each of the past three games after playing only five minutes against the Buckeyes.

Hubalek said that he has focused more in practice to help get more production in games.

“That’s what you work hard in practice for,” Hubalek said. “That’s what all those wind sprints are for. All you think about in practice is how its going to pay off in practice.”

The Jayhawks have won four out of the last five matchups in Ames, including a 95-85 win last year.

Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. Saturday at Hilton Coliseum. The game will be televised on ESPN.