Following Monday’s win over Southern, Iowa State will travel to Las Vegas for its first games against Power Five opponents this season.

The Cyclones will play Vanderbilt on Friday and Syracuse on Saturday.

Entering the weekend, Vanderbilt is 4-0, having won three games by one possession. Syracuse is 3-1 with the lone loss coming to Maryland by two points.

Vanderbilt averages a 44.5% shooting percentage, while opponents of the Commodores shoot 40.6% from the field. Syracuse has shot 48.3% this season and held opponents to a 35.3% shooting percentage.

For comparison, the Cyclones have shot 47% and opponents shot 38.9% through three games this season. All three teams stack up well against each other, giving Iowa State a good test.

Iowa State head coach Bill Fennelly knows the weekend will be a challenge but is excited to see what his team can do in the shootout. Fennelly said Vanderbilt and Syracuse have played quality opponents and come from tough conferences.

“It’s a huge step-up in class, and to do it back-to-back, it’s a tough weekend for us,” Fennelly said. “We’re excited about the opportunity.”

Senior Hannah Belanger looked at the Southern game as a confidence builder to prepare for the weekend test ahead.

“We know that the competition ramps up, but having games like [Southern] to build our confidence on is something we can carry over as the competition increases,” Belanger said.

Freshman Audi Crooks said she feels confident in her team’s ability to perform well this weekend and throughout the season. She added the team is starting to figure out who they are and what they are capable of.

“The more you play, the more you learn about yourself and about your team,” Crooks said. “We’re starting to see our identity.”

Iowa State plays Vanderbilt at 3:30 p.m. Friday and Syracuse at 1 p.m. Saturday. Both games can be viewed on FloHoops with a paid subscription.

“It’s a nice event. It’s a great facility, and we’re looking forward to going,” Fennelly said.