At this point in the season, every Big 12 team has played each other at least once. A lot of teams have played each other twice.

But Iowa State’s next opponent, Kansas State, will be somewhat different than the rest of the Cyclones’ schedule.

The Cyclones (13-12, 4-9 Big 12) last played Kansas State (18-8, 7-6 Big 12) on Dec. 29, which was the first conference game for either team. Both teams have played 13 other Big 12 games since then — and one SEC opponent — meaning 14 games have passed since these two teams last met.

Most intraconference rematches don’t take that long to happen, and with that many games gone by since the Big 12 opener at Hilton Coliseum, it’s tough to take much from the first game.

A lot has changed since Dec. 29, but one thing is still the same.

“We need to go get a road win,” said coach Steve Prohm.

Iowa State is 0-7 in true road games this year. The struggles on the road have plagued the Cyclones all season, dating back to the season opener at Missouri on Nov. 10.

“They’re playing really well,” Prohm said of Kansas State. “They beat Oklahoma State pretty good last night. I think they’re fourth in the league.”

Kansas State is in the top half of the Big 12 standings, but it has lost its last two home games.

For a team like Iowa State, which has had its fair share of struggles on the road, that’s a welcome sign.

Senior guard Donovan Jackson said the goal on Saturday is to “bounce back and beat one of the Kansas teams,” against which the Cyclones are 0-3 this season.

“We just gotta play defense,” Jackson said.

Iowa State gave up 91 points in the first game with Kansas State, which is Kansas State’s highest total in a Big 12 game this year.

In that game, Dean Wade of Kansas State scored a career-high 34 points on 6-of-8 shooting from the 3-point line.

Wade hasn’t scored more than 25 in a game in his career besides his explosion at Hilton Coliseum.

“First game, we really screwed up our pick and roll defense,” said sophomore forward Solomon Young. “This game we’ll definitely adjust and probably do something different.”

Dean Wade isn’t the only issue, however. Iowa State’s defense has been an issue all season long. It’s currently ranked No. 141 in the nation by KenPom.

Iowa State has played six road games in the Big 12 this season, surrendering 505 points and scoring only 420. That’s a difference of 85 points over six games (14.2 per game).

When they’re scoring 14.2 fewer points per game on the road than your opponents, it’s no wonder the team is 0-6 away from Hilton during the Big 12 season.

But that’s just all the more motivation for the team.

“We’ve improved a lot more from that first game,” Jackson said.