Iowa State women's basketball hosts Kansas State in Play4Kay showdown at Hilton Coliseum
Iowa State returns to Hilton Coliseum on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026, tipping off against Kansas State at 2: 00 p. m. ET in a game that doubles as the Cyclones' annual Play4Kay breast cancer awareness event. The matchup pits a 19-6 Iowa State squad (7-6 Big 12) against a 14-12 Kansas State team (7-6 Big 12) in the 106th meeting between the programs — the longest series in school history.
Play4Kay, pink out and a raucous Hilton atmosphere
The Cyclones will use the annual Play4Kay platform to honor survivors and those currently battling breast cancer, with fans encouraged to wear pink for the event. The game brings a heightened energy to Hilton Coliseum: Iowa State will be playing at home in February for the first time this month, and the longstanding rivalry with Kansas State has produced its share of late-game drama — two of the last four meetings required overtime.
Home-court advantage matters in matchups like this, and Iowa State will hope the crowd's energy helps the team bounce back after a road setback earlier in the week. The Cyclones' season-long identity — efficient inside scoring and potent shooting — fits well with the high-intensity environment expected for the Play4Kay crowd.
Key players, availability and recent form
Availability figures to shape Iowa State's rotation. Addy Brown was listed out on the pregame availability and will not play. Evangelia Paulk was a game-time decision but entered the contest late in the first quarter. No Kansas State players were listed on the availability report.
Audi Crooks remains the Cyclones' marquee scorer and a central figure in the matchup. Crooks has gone 91 straight games with double figures — the longest streak in program history and the longest active streak in the sport — and she climbed into the top echelon of Iowa State scorers last season, finishing among the program's all-time leaders. Her efficiency has been a season-long hallmark for Iowa State; the team ranks among the national leaders in field-goal percentage, fueling consistent offensive production.
Fresh off a loss on the road that snapped a five-game winning streak, Iowa State saw three players reach double figures in that defeat. Kenzie Hare caught fire from beyond the arc with a season-high number of three-pointers, while Jada Williams extended her scoring streak to seven consecutive games in double figures. The team was hampered in that loss by a dip in shooting efficiency, converting just 39 percent from the floor while the opponent shot at a much higher clip.
What to watch and matchup implications
Several themes will determine the game's outcome: Iowa State's ability to get high-percentage shots and protect the glass, how the Cyclones compensate for Brown's absence, and the defensive adjustments Kansas State brings to contain Crooks. Look for Iowa State to lean on its offensive balance — a trio of players has been recognized individually for weekly league honors this season, underscoring the team's depth and scoring variety.
The long history between the programs adds a tactical layer; familiarity breeds targeted game plans and an emphasis on execution in late possessions. With the Play4Kay atmosphere in play, the Cyclones will aim to channel crowd energy into defensive intensity and efficient offense to regain momentum in conference play.
Tip is set for 2: 00 p. m. ET. Expect a physical, emotionally charged contest as Iowa State looks to protect home floor, honor the Play4Kay cause and build toward postseason positioning in a tightly contested Big 12 race.
