Checking the schedule for an iowa state game live right now? Honestly, if you're a Cyclones fan, your internal clock is probably already set to Big 12 time. It’s Wednesday, January 14, 2026, and the spotlight has shifted away from the frozen cornfields of Ames over to the thin air of Boulder. Tonight, the No. 19 Iowa State women’s basketball team is taking on Colorado at the CU Events Center.
It’s a 8:00 p.m. CT tip-off. If you’re looking for the men’s team, you just missed a heartbreaker—they suffered their first loss of the season last night at Kansas, ending a historic 16-0 run. But tonight is all about Bill Fennelly’s squad trying to find their footing in a conference that feels more like a nightly street fight than a basketball league.
Where to find the Iowa State game live tonight
You won’t find this one on your traditional local cable channel. Basically, if you want to see Audi Crooks do her thing in the paint, you’re going to need ESPN+. It’s the home for most of the "Big 12 Now" broadcasts. Thad Anderson is on the call with Kami Carmann providing the analysis.
If you're stuck in the car or just prefer the old-school vibe of radio, the Cyclone Radio Network is your best friend. Noah Wolf and Jamie Steyer Johnson are handling the broadcast. You can usually find the stream for free on the Varsity Network app or through the official Cyclones website.
Streaming has made things kinda complicated, hasn't it? You used to just turn to channel 5 or 9. Now you’re juggling logins. If you’re out of the market, ESPN+ is really the only reliable way to catch the game live without resorting to those sketchy "free" streams that usually just give your computer a virus.
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Why this Colorado matchup matters
This isn't just another road game. It’s actually the first time Iowa State has traveled to Boulder in 15 years. Back when Colorado left the Big 12 the first time, things were different. Now they’re back, and the rivalry feels fresh again.
Iowa State enters the night at 14-3 overall. They’re 2-3 in the Big 12, which sounds mediocre until you realize the Big 12 is arguably the deepest conference in the history of women’s college hoops. Colorado is sitting at 11-6. Both teams are desperate to climb out of that middle-of-the-pack logjam.
The Audi Crooks factor
Look, if you’re tuning in to watch an iowa state game live, you’re there for Audi Crooks. There’s no way around it. She’s averaging nearly 29 points a game. That’s not a typo. She is a matchup nightmare for almost everyone in the country because of her footwork and ability to finish through contact.
Colorado is going to try to double-team her. They'll probably triple-team her. This puts the pressure on Addy Brown and Jada Williams. If the Cyclones can hit their outside shots, the lane stays open for Audi. If they go cold from three? It’s going to be a long night in the mountains.
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Addy Brown is quietly having a monster season herself, nearly averaging a double-double. She’s the glue. When she’s aggressive on the glass, Iowa State is a top-10 caliber team. When she’s passive, they struggle to put teams away.
Tactical Breakdown: Surviving the Altitude
Boulder is a tough place to play. It's 5,318 feet above sea level. Players often talk about that "burning chest" feeling in the first five minutes. Coach Fennelly likely has a deep rotation ready tonight to keep legs fresh.
- Watch the turnovers. Iowa State has been a bit loose with the ball lately, averaging about 11.3 per game. Against a Colorado team that likes to push the pace at home, that's dangerous.
- Defensive rebounding. Colorado’s Anaëlle Dutat is a beast on the boards. If ISU gives up second-chance points, they won't win this.
- The Bench. Keep an eye on Sydney Harris. She provides a spark that can change the momentum of a game in about two minutes flat.
Viewing Options and Stats
If you're a data nerd and want to follow the iowa state game live via the box score while watching, the official Cyclones "Media Center" page is the fastest. It updates about 30 seconds faster than the ESPN app.
- TV: ESPN+ (Subscription required)
- Radio: 1430 KASI or the Varsity Network App
- Live Stats: Sidearm Stats (available via cyclones.com)
- Tip-off: 8:00 p.m. CT / 7:00 p.m. MT
Looking ahead after tonight
The schedule doesn't get any easier. After Boulder, the team heads to Stillwater to face Oklahoma State on Sunday. That game is at noon. Then they finally come back home to Hilton Coliseum on January 21st to face Cincinnati.
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If you’re planning on going to a game in person, tickets for the Cincinnati matchup are still available, but the Saturday game against Arizona on the 24th is trending toward a sellout. Hilton Magic is real, and the fans have been showing out for this women’s team in record numbers.
To stay updated on the iowa state game live status for future matchups, keep the Big 12 Now schedule bookmarked. The TV designations often don't get finalized until a week or two before the game.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Log in to your ESPN+ account at least 10 minutes before tip-off to ensure your subscription is active.
- Download the Varsity Network app if you plan on listening to the radio broadcast; it’s more stable than the website on mobile devices.
- Check the "Cyclone Athletics" official Twitter (X) feed for real-time highlights if you can't watch the video stream.