With only one regular season game left in the regular season, the Iowa State women’s basketball team knows it’s time to do or die.

Recently, the Cyclones haven’t just stayed alive — they’ve become one of the hottest teams in college basketball, winning four straight games.

That includes a 70-66 win at then-No. 6 Texas last Friday, the highest ranked road victory in Iowa State women’s basketball history.

Iowa State (17-11, 8-9 Big 12) enters Monday night’s game against Oklahoma State (16-12, 6-11 Big 12) with eyes on the NCAA Tournament.

Senior Seanna Johnson emphasized the importance of the win at Texas, but also said the team needs to focus on the upcoming game with Oklahoma State.

“For me, it’s one of the biggest wins [in my career],” Johnson said. “Just because it’s always hard to play at Texas. They’ve always been a really really good team.

“For them to be ranked number six and we go in there and win, it’s really remarkable.”

With West Virginia’s loss over the weekend, Iowa State has clinched the fifth seed in next week’s Big 12 Tournament. However, Monday’s regular season finale still has importance. According to ESPN’s Charlie Creme, Iowa State is in the NCAA Tournament field as of now, but racking up another win would go a long way toward cementing the Cyclones in the Big Dance.

For the seniors, Monday will be an extra special night. It will likely be the last time they play a game at Hilton Coliseum.

Coach Bill Fennelly said he’s not worried about a hangover following the big win at Texas.

“At this time of year, if there is such a thing then you don’t belong playing,” Fennelly said. “You get to the end of the season and you need to understand what got you where you are and you gotta keep moving forward.”

Fennelly said the team just watched video on Saturday instead of going through a full practice, and added the team is a “little bit worn out.”

Oklahoma State won the first matchup between the two teams, but that game was all the way back in December — the first Big 12 game of the season for both teams.

Fennelly said Iowa State did not plan on using much game film from the first meeting since the game was so long ago.

One of the biggest improvements for Iowa State since that game has been the play of sophomore Bridget Carleton. Carleton, who had 15 points and seven rebounds in the first game against Oklahoma State, has led Iowa State in scoring during the conference season at 16.2 points per game, is playing some of her best basketball now.

Carleton emphasized the importance of sending the seniors out with a win in their finale at Hilton.

“We have to play as hard as we can.” Carleton said. “I know when I’m a senior I’m gonna want the rest of the team to play as hard as they can for me and for the rest of the seniors with me.”

Johnson ranks in the top 10 in school history in several categories, including points and rebounds. Monday night — not just for Johnson, but for fans who have watched her for four years — will certainly be emotional.

Johnson said her dad, who suffered a stroke last year and has only been to one of her games since, will be in attendance at senior night.

“I tweeted this morning that this really went fast,” Johnson said in reference to her Iowa State career. “To think I’m gonna play my last game at Hilton, it’s bittersweet, but I’m excited.

“I told my teammates, we just gotta go out there and have fun — but we need to make sure we win.”