AMES, Iowa (Interstat) — Two of the Big 12’s hottest teams collide Tuesday night when the Iowa State Cyclones host the UCF Knights in a pivotal conference matchup at Hilton Coliseum. Iowa State (16-2, 4-1 Big 12) looks to rebound from its first league loss, a 79-70 setback at Cincinnati on Saturday, and protect its home court, where it is 10-0 this season. UCF (14-3, 3-1) aims to bounce back from a narrow 84-77 home loss to Arizona, which snapped a three-game winning streak. The game features a compelling duel between two of the conference’s premier scorers. Iowa State is powered by forward Milan Momcilovic, who is coming off a career-high 34-point performance against Cincinnati. Over his last six games, Momcilovic is averaging 17.7 points, including 26 and 18-point outbursts in conference play. UCF counters with dynamic guard Themus Fulks, who poured in 30 points with eight assists in the loss to Arizona. Fulks has been a consistent force, recording a triple-double (13 points, 12 assists) in a win at Kansas State on Jan. 14 and averaging 16.8 points and 9.8 assists over his last six contests. His playmaking will be critical against Iowa State’s stout defense, which ranks among the nation’s best in scoring defense and forced turnovers. The Knights have proven resilient on the road, winning at Kansas State earlier this month and pushing Arizona to the wire. However, Hilton Coliseum presents one of the toughest environments in the country. The Cyclones’ only losses this season came on the road against then-Kansas and Cincinnati. Iowa State holds the overall series lead, 2-0, with both wins coming last season. Tuesday’s result will have significant implications in the crowded Big 12 standings, where both teams have established themselves as early contenders. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST.