# Iowa State opens Big 12 play with Arizona showdown

> The Cyclones face a top-five opponent at home on Jan. 2, possibly without injured guard Killyan Toure.
- Title: Iowa State opens Big 12 play with Arizona showdown | Shortify
- Summary: The Cyclones face a top-five opponent at home on Jan. 2, possibly without injured guard Killyan Toure. Iowa State's Big 12 conference opener against Arizona…
- Keywords: iowa state cyclones, arizona wildcats, big 12, killyan toure, hilton coliseum, college basketball, conference opener, shoulder injury, jaden bradley, big 12 tournament, sports, Iowa
- Source: Iowa State Cyclones On SI — https://si.com/college/iowa-state/basketball/iowa-state-basketball-will-host-big-12-contender-in-conference
- Published: 2026-09-15T21:01:57+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: iowa state cyclones, arizona wildcats, big 12, killyan toure, hilton coliseum, college basketball, conference opener, shoulder injury, jaden bradley, big 12 tournament, sports
## Cyclones contending in Big 12 again
Iowa State's men's basketball team is positioned as one of the top contenders in the Big 12 conference this season.
## Arizona comes to Ames Jan. 2
The Cyclones will host the Arizona Wildcats at Hilton Coliseum on January 2 to open their conference schedule.
## Wildcats projected as conference's best
Arizona is expected to be the top team in the Big 12 and will likely start the season ranked in the top five nationally.
## Toure's return still uncertain
Sophomore guard Killyan Toure is recovering from summer shoulder surgery with a projected January return timeline.
## Last year's blowout in Tucson
Iowa State lost badly to Arizona in the regular season last year, falling 73-57 at McKale Center.
## Buzzer beater ended tournament run
In the Big 12 tournament, Iowa State led for long stretches but lost 82-80 when Jaden Bradley hit a game-winner at the buzzer.
## Both rosters feature new faces
Iowa State and Arizona each lost key players to the NBA draft and graduation but are still projected to have strong teams.
## Single game against six opponents
Arizona is one of six Big 12 teams Iowa State will face only once this season, all at home in Ames.
## Key takeaway

Iowa State's Big 12 conference opener against Arizona on January 2 will be a major test against the league's projected best team.