It’s a Big Monday clash for the Big 12 lead when 10th ranked Iowa State visits third ranked Houston. It matches two of the best defensive teams in the country. Both teams are 9-3 in the league race. The Cyclones edged the Cougars 57-53 in Ames back in early January and with a win will have a one game lead and own the tiebreaker with five to play.

That’s ISU coach T.J. Otzelberger who says both teams pride themselves on defense.