It’s almost time.

The clock is ticking on the ISU women’s basketball team’s regular season finale against Colorado on Thursday night, which means the Big 12 tournament is just around the corner.

Iowa State will know its opponent after Thursday night’s game. The Cyclones are in ninth place before the game, exactly where the preseason coaches’ poll picked them.

“The game is huge,” said ISU center Brittany Wilkins. “We played them really well the last time. We have to get that back.”

As the curtain begins to close for seniors Wilkins and Kandice Beenken, ISU coach Bill Fennelly said the team needs to build some momentum and try to carry it over to next season, especially given the team’s youth.

Four of Iowa State’s five starters return next season.

“I want to see how focused our kids are at the end of the season,” Fennelly said. “I want to see kids that will stay motivated.”

The Cyclones (15-11, 6-9 Big 12) stomped the Buffaloes 86-71 in Boulder earlier this season, and would love to break their three-game losing streak. Wilkins said it’s crucial for the team to break the skid before the Big 12 tournament begins.

“It’s huge,” she said. “We’re going to take our chances in the Big 12 tournament. Anything can happen.”

Wilkins has an idea about what can happen in Dallas.

“Anyone can be beat, except – maybe – for Oklahoma,” she said, smiling.

The Cyclones continue to be led by Lyndsey Medders, averaging 17 points per game. Wilkins and freshman Heather Ezell also average in double figures.

With two of their three leading scorers coming back next season, Fennelly said it’s another reason the Cyclones need to continue to strive for improvement, even at the end of the season.

“It’s a great sense for the start of next season,” Fennelly said. “There’s a lot of things that this team needs to show its coaches and fans that will extend beyond this season.”

The Buffaloes had lost five straight games before topping Oklahoma State Sunday. The Cowgirls are the only team in the Big 12 without a conference win.

After going unbeaten at Hilton last season, the Cyclones have dropped four games at home this year.

Wilkins said the number should stay at four.

“I just want to leave my mark,” she said. “We haven’t played our best in Hilton this season.”

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.