Nikki Moody is playing what could possibly be the best basketball of her four years at Iowa State.

In her last two games, Moody has scored 44 points. She also threw in 15 assists for good measure. After a three-game losing streak, the team is finally back on the winning trail and hoping to keep it rolling.

The Cyclones’ (15-7, 6-5 Big 12) next test in the Big 12 gauntlet will come in the form of Texas Tech (13-10, 3-8 Big 12) in Lubbock, Texas.

While the Cyclones appear to have the upper hand on paper, ISU coach Bill Fennelly pointed out that playing in the Big 12 conference does not provide many easy wins.

“When most of the teams in this league have five to seven [conference] losses, that means everyone is beating each other up,” Fennelly said.

Luckily for Fennelly, it appears that his team has emerged from a rut and is back to playing at a high level. At the forefront of that reawakening has been point guard Nikki Moody.

“I think I just have more free will just to play, just to shoot and create and just do my own thing,” Moody said.

Whatever it is, it’s been working for Moody. And as a result, the ISU offense and defense has come alive in response after a week of feet-dragging performances.

While Moody isn’t the sole reason for the sudden turnaround, she has played a large role in the reversal.

“When you’re playing at a high level and you’re a point guard that goes a long way,” Fennelly said.

Now, the plan is to keep it going. Of course, that is easier said than done. With Iowa State’s other main guard, Jadda Buckley, out for the remainder of the season, the team will continue to rely heavily on Moody.

With no true backup point guard ready to step in and play big minutes for the Cyclones yet, Moody has got that “free range” she alluded to, and so far, has been able to deliver.

“When things are going well, she’s talented enough to keep that going,” Fennelly said.

Counteracting Moody’s strong play will be Texas Tech star Amber Battle. The guard is averaging 16.3 points per game on the season with much of the Red Raider offense running through her.

After watching her score 33 points against West Virginia a few weeks ago, Fennelly was impressed.

“It was quite a show she put on,” Fennelly said.

When the two teams meet up for a Texas showdown, it will be a battle of dueling guards, both of whom have been playing well in recent weeks.

If Moody is able to come out victorious in the guard battle, the Cyclones have to like their chances of stealing a Big 12 road win.

The game is slated for a 7 p.m. tip time Feb. 11 in Lubbock, Texas.