Coming off one of the most successful weeks in school history, the ISU men’s basketball team still has work to do before claiming the Big 12 title.

Following convincing home victories over nationally ranked Texas and Oklahoma State, the Cyclones will embark on a two-game road swing through the state of Texas, looking to capture their first conference title since 1945.

Iowa State will take on Texas Tech tonight before battling Baylor on Saturday night in Waco.

While both teams sport lackluster 3-11 records in conference play, ISU head coach Larry Eustachy insists these games will not be easy.

“Nothing against Oklahoma State, but I thought that these two road games would be the toughest of the three games,” Eustachy said. “At home you get into a comfort zone, and like most teams we play better, but it’s always tough on the road.”

Texas Tech (12-13, 3-11) is led in scoring by Rayford Young. The senior point guard averages 15.5 points per game, good for 10th in the Big 12.

He is also 6th in the league in assists with 4.6 per game.

The Cyclones will be playing without the services of forward Paul Shirley, who broke a bone in his foot against Texas on Tuesday night.

Although he noted that the medical staff was “hopeful,” Eustachy was typically pessimistic when asked about his chances for return.

“It’s a six-week injury, and we won’t be playing in six weeks. That’s the bottom line,” Eustachy said.

However, Iowa State does have Big 12 Player of the Week Marcus Fizer on its side.

The junior forward scored 64 points in the two huge wins, and is the leading candidate for Big 12 Player of the Year.

“I don’t think there’s anybody in the country playing better than Marcus is right now,” Eustachy said. “After Paul went down, we needed him to step up and he did.”

Another candidate for a postseason award is point guard Jamaal Tinsley, who has merited consideration for Newcomer of the Year.

His play has been a surprise to Eustachy.

“Usually when junior college guys come in for their first year they struggle a lot. And while he has struggled at times, he’s made a huge impact on winning for us,” Eustachy said.

The Cyclones played all five of their starters at least 35 minutes in Saturday’s win over Oklahoma State, and Eustachy said that the team can’t win if that continues.

“We can’t win or be co-champs unless him or Richard Evans or Brandon Hawkins give us something off the bench. We can’t do it with just five guys,” Eustachy said.

The second-year coach will also have forward Martin Rancik at his disposal.

Rancik was off to a solid start this year before breaking his foot Jan. 2.

Although physically he has been able to play the past two games, Eustachy has held him out.

Tuesday, Rancik did not enter the contest until six seconds remained, due at least in part to the fact that he missed a class.

Eustachy said that there “didn’t seem like there was a place,” for Rancik, but expects him to play this week.