The last two weeks have not been kind to Iowa State.

Since starting 7-3 in Big 12 play, the Cyclones have stumbled their way to an 8-6 record thanks to three losses since Feb. 9. The losses have all but ended Iowa State’s Big 12 title hopes.

Iowa State still has a chance to earn a high seed in next month’s NCAA Tournament. Monday’s matchup against Oklahoma at 7 p.m. inside Hilton Coliseum will be the next challenge for the Cyclones. The game will air on ESPN2.

Iowa State and Oklahoma met once earlier this season. The Cyclones overcame a 10-point first half deficit in that one, winning 75-74.

One key for the game will be redshirt senior guard Marial Shayok.

Shayok, who led the Big 12 in scoring for much of the season, scored four points in Iowa State’s loss over the weekend at Texas Christian (TCU). He dropped 16 points in the first game against Oklahoma but has seen rocky scoring totals since.

After his 16-point game, he had 24 in a home loss to TCU, followed by 13 points in a win at Kansas State and 20 in another home loss to Baylor.

Additionally, Iowa State’s defense has been plagued lately by poor defensive rebounding and too much dribble penetration.

“We just have to pay more attention to detail,” said redshirt senior guard Nick Weiler-Babb after the Feb. 9 game against TCU. “We just have to lock in. When we wanna be, I think we’re a really good defensive team.

“I think that’s one thing we need to kind of accept. Defense is gonna take us to the next level.”

Iowa State’s defense is ranked 38th according to KenPom. It was in the top 25 for the first half of Big 12 play but has since slipped as the Cyclones have fallen in recent weeks.

Coach Steve Prohm could opt to use freshman forward George Conditt IV more. Conditt IV did not play in the month of February until playing one minute against TCU on Saturday.

Prohm has leaned on redshirt junior forward Michael Jacobson and redshirt sophomore forward Cameron Lard lately. Jacobson had 17 points and seven rebounds in the loss at TCU while Lard finished with 10 points and six boards. Lard also fouled out in 17 minutes, marking two games in a row in which he has fouled out.

Sophomore guard Lindell Wigginton finished the first game against Oklahoma with 18 points, including four made 3-pointers.