AMES — The Iowa State Cyclones gear up to take on the No. 21 Colorado Buffaloes in what is expected to be yet another exciting home matchup. Head Coach Matt Fannon enters the matchup hoping to handle business as usual. 

“Our mindset is the same as always,” Fannon said. “We have a rule that you get the rest of the day to mourn or celebrate and then you get back to business.”

Iowa State has struggled significantly in the first half of the game throughout the season. After being outshot 20-0 in their matchup against Iowa, things needed to change. 

The Cyclones played their last matchup against Central Florida but ended up pleading no contest after lightning forced the game into a delay. 

The no-contest result leaves Iowa State atop the conference standings, a favorable position for Fannon entering Sunday’s matchup.

“It’s such a huge deal to be on the front foot in the conference, especially coming off of a win that was on the road,” Fannon said. “To be able to take that and realize that we are a step ahead is a great space to be in.”

After pleading no-contest in Thursday’s match, the Cyclones remain a perfect 1-0-0 in conference play. However, they have yet to prevail against a ranked opponent this season after losses to Memphis and Iowa.

“We have to focus on doing what we are good at,” Fannon said. “We have to keep the ball, move it, and do it with a little more tempo. We have to stop the big players from making big plays.”

The game will take place at noon on Sunday at the Cyclone Sports Complex. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+.