Despite the warning spelled out clearly in the state motto, Iowa State is about to mess with Texas for the second time in three days.

A shell-shocked ISU team (14-4, 4-2 Big 12) returns to Hilton to battle Texas (14-5, 3-3 Big 12) in what is now a pivotal game for Iowa State.

The Red Raiders dealt a dizzying blow to the Cyclones, transforming their good vibrations into shock waves that shook the foundation of Iowa State’s Big 12 season by way of an unexpected upset.

The defeat uprooted Iowa State’s conference lead, and with Texas coming to town, potentially changed the tone of the Cyclones’ Big 12 campaign from one of hopefulness to one of impending doom.

“[That loss] definitely magnifies this [game],” said junior Georges Niang. “It just makes our uphill battle a lot more uphill.”

While ISU fans must wait until 8 p.m. Jan. 26 to measure the Cyclones’ on-the-court response to their most recent bout of adversity, the team’s reaction in the immediate aftermath of its disappointing defeat to Texas Tech was an encouraging one.

The ISU players took it upon themselves to hold one another accountable and to clear the air in a players-only meeting that convened Jan. 24 before the team left the Lloyd Noble Center in Lubbock, Texas.

“It was good,” Niang said. “A lot of people got to say what was on their mind and got some stuff off their chest, so I think it helped for the better.”

The Cyclones’ self-reliance did not end there, however. Absent both the directive and the presence of ISU coach Fred Hoiberg, the majority of the team met at the Sukup practice facility in west Ames after the Texas Tech defeat to watch film and gear up for Texas.

Senior Dustin Hogue said that the meeting stretched through the night and into the early morning hours.

“Right after the game, a couple guys came in … just about everybody,” Hogue said. “A lot of guys are dedicated. A lot of guys felt that loss and nobody [wants] to feel that again.”

Iowa State must draw on its steely resolve to overcome Texas’ prodigious front-line, which boasts five players listed at 6 feet 8 inches or taller. The Longhorns’ height, combined with the team’s true 10-man rotation, adds up to make Texas one of the strongest and longest squads in Division 1, providing advantages on both the defensive end and the glass alike.

Texas is ranked No. 10 in the nation in total rebounding and is holding opponents to a shade under 35 percent shooting from the floor for the entire season — the third best mark in the country.

“Obviously, they are one of the top defensive teams in the nation,” Hoiberg said. “They are great at protecting the rim. It’s going to be important for us hopefully to knock down some shots to loosen things up.”

The Cyclones have struggled to score against length and concentrated defense this season. Maryland held Iowa State to 63 points on less than 30 percent shooting and Baylor snatched 19 offensive rebounds against the Cyclones on its way to a one-point victory.

Hogue said the answer to the Texas riddle is a simple one that can be summed up in two key words — physicality and desire.

“Guys are going to have to hit somebody. They’re big dudes and they are probably one of the biggest teams in the Big 12, so I think everybody is going to have to be accountable and hit somebody,” Hogue said. “It’s a matter of who wants it more.”

Rebounding from the guard position will likely play a key element for Iowa State if it hopes to keep Texas’ immense front-line in check.

Transfer Bryce Dejean-Jones, who starts at the shooting guard position, actually leads the team in rebounding at 5.9 per contest. He will be one of only a few ISU players on the floor who will ever possess a size advantage against his Longhorn counterparts, which will be an advantage Iowa State must capitalize on.

There is also potential for forward Jameel McKay to earn his first start of the season. At 6 feet 9 inches, McKay is the tallest ISU player. His presence in the starting lineup would allow Hogue to play at the small forward position, the same spot he started at most of last season when he nearly led the Big 12 in rebounding.

Hogue said that he believes it is possible for the Cyclones to turn the Longhorns’ size advantage against them.

“I think their strength is going to be their weakness. Their guys are going to have to be able to come out and guard us too,” Hogue said. “[If] we are just able to make them uncomfortable, then I think we’ll have a good time dealing with the size.”