Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger says his eighth ranked Cyclones have made significant strides since a Big-12 opening loss at Oklahoma. The Cyclones lost to the Sooners 71-63 in early January and the rematch is Wednesday night in Hilton Coliseum.

As he said in the previous cut Otzelberger says the Cyclones are much defensively since the start of conference play.

Otzelberger’s ISU teams have always featured defense and toughness, but this team has added balance on offense. Six players are averaging more than eight points or more.

The Cyclones are 10-4 in the Big-12. The Sooners are 7-7.