Despite a slow start to conference play that saw the Iowa State women’s basketball team begin with a 1-6 Big 12 record, the Cyclones (15-11, 6-9 Big 12) have stormed back and now find themselves on the NCAA Tournament bubble. In ESPN’s latest bracketology update, Iowa State is among the “first four out.”

With three games left, Iowa State likely needs to go at least 2-1 to stay alive as the Big 12 tournament looms. That starts with a road game Tuesday night at Kansas (8-18, 2-13 Big 12). The game will tip at 7 p.m. at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas.

Since mid-January, Iowa State has won five of its last eight games, including three of the last four. The Cyclones have a plus-39 scoring margin over that four-game stretch. One of the biggest reasons is the play of junior guard Emily Durr.

Durr, who is averaging 8.2 points per game this season, has provided a scoring spark for Iowa State on days when the big three of Seanna Johnson, Jadda Buckley and Bridget Carleton have struggled.

“I think Emily Durr being added to the starting lineup has kind of given us some solid play,” coach Bill Fennelly said. “At this time of year, every team is gonna rely on their best players.

“I think Seanna and Jadda and Bridget have really played well, and we’re playing the way we need to play to win.”

Durr had 14 points in Iowa State’s first game against Kansas, an 87-58 win at Hilton Coliseum.

“Kansas plays up in your face on defense,” Durr said. “I think we just moved the ball well, we attacked the rim and then kicked to the open shot.

“I knocked a few down, which is nice.”

Iowa State’s four losses since Jan. 18 have all been similar. Three of them have come on the road, and all have been against ranked teams.

The Cyclones have turned a corner recently, and the Big 12 has taken notice. With a 15-11 record and an RPI rating in the 60s, the Cyclones are on the cusp of dancing.

For Iowa State, the focus now is simple: win.

That starts with Tuesday’s game at Kansas. The Jayhawks’ record isn’t scary, but their recent 18-point win over Oklahoma State showed just how dangerous they can be at home. Iowa State is just 1-7 on the road this year, and another road win would go a long way for their tournament résumé.

In game one against Kansas, senior Heather Bowe had 16 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks. She thinks the biggest key to winning at Kansas will be staying focused.

“Kansas is a good team, they’ve been playing really well lately,” Bowe said. “We just gotta do our thing and stick to our principles and just get the job done.”

While the focus is on taking it one game at a time, Durr said the team is aware of the potential NCAA tournament bid.

“Bridget showed it to me last night,” Durr said. “I think that just gives us more edge to compete and hopefully get these games and these wins under our belt.”

With three games left, the team is rolling and has a chance to enter the Big 12 tournament on a winning streak.

“I think we just have good energy right now,” Durr said. “We have a lot of confidence in each other, and everybody is stepping up in big ways, whether it’s TeeTee [Starks], Heather or Mere [Burkhall].

“We have the big three that are scoring a lot more now. I think everybody contributes and then we keep winning, which is always fun.”