This Saturday, fans of college basketball will be treated to a thrilling quadruple-header broadcast exclusively on Peacock, starting with a highly anticipated matchup between Iowa State and Cincinnati. The game marks a key moment early in the season, as Iowa State aims to rebound from its first defeat and establish itself as a serious contender, while Cincinnati seeks to build momentum in a season that has already seen notable ups and downs. With both teams eager to improve their standings and vie for critical Big 12 victories, the game promises competitive intensity and strategic intrigue, making it a can’t-miss event for college hoops enthusiasts. Alongside detailed coverage, viewers will be able to catch this game live, along with other Saturday matchups on the streaming platform, emphasizing Peacock’s growing role in college sports broadcasting.
Iowa State’s Resilient Rise and Challenges
Strong Start and Overcoming First Loss
Iowa State’s men’s basketball team has been a standout story early in the season. Under head coach T.J. Otzelberger, the Cyclones posted a program-best start, winning most of their early games and setting records for both the best start and the longest winning streak in school history. Their stellar performances on both ends of the floor earned them the No. 2 national ranking and admiration as a top title contender. However, their celebrated undefeated streak was snapped Tuesday when they suffered an 84-63 defeat at the hands of Kansas—a setback that the team is eager to overcome.
This loss, while disappointing, hasn’t diminished Iowa State’s confidence or its prospects for a deep NCAA Tournament run. The team’s strengths stay evident, chiefly its offensive efficiency and tenacious defense. Shooting has been a key priority, with the Cyclones connecting on 40.3% of their three-pointers—best in the Big 12 and fourth nationally—making their perimeter game one of the most dangerous in college basketball. On defense, they are imposing, allowing just over 64 points per game, ranking fifth in the NCAA in defensive efficiency. Their ability to force turnovers—averaging 16.6 per game—further exemplifies their aggressive defensive style.
The roster boasts several standout players who have contributed significantly to their success. Junior forward Milan Momcilovic, notably the nation’s top 3-point shooter at 53.8%, recently became the 36th player in program history to surpass 1,000 career points. Senior guard Tamin Lipsey leads the Big 12 in steals, showcasing his defensive prowess, while senior forward Joshua Jefferson has scored in double digits in every game this season, proving his consistency and scoring reliability.
With five seasons under Otzelberger, Iowa State appears poised for a third consecutive season of at least 20 wins, reaffirming its stature as a powerhouse within the conference and nationally.
Cincinnati’s Quest for Consistency and Turning Points
Cincinnati’s men’s basketball team, now in its second year under head coach Wes Miller, has been working to find its rhythm in a challenging Big 12 landscape. Despite ranks of second in the conference for 3-point attempts, the Bearcats have struggled with their shooting accuracy—hitting just 30.7% of their three-pointers—and overall field goal efficiency at a modest 42.7%. These areas have been conspicuous shortcomings in their quest to climb the standings.
Nevertheless, they displayed resilience recently by securing their first Big 12 victory. In defeating Colorado 77–68, Cincinnati demonstrated their capacity to capitalize on turnovers and transition opportunities, scoring 30 points off turnovers and a remarkable 24-2 edge in fast-break points. This game underscored their potential, especially when executing their game plan and seizing scoring chances in transition.
Key players have stepped up in pivotal moments. Senior forward Baba Miller played a crucial role with a 25-point, 11-rebound effort—marking his eighth double-double of the season—and continues to be a dominant force in the paint. Moustapha Thiam, a physical rim protector, added 15 points and 11 rebounds, showcasing his shot-blocking prowess with averages of 1.8 blocks per game. Meanwhile, Day Day Thomas has been reliable in the backcourt, averaging nearly 13 points per game, with a contribution of four assists and three steals in their recent win.
Coach Wes Miller faces a critical juncture. Last year, Cincinnati finished with a record of 19-16 and was projected to finish eighth in the conference standings. This season’s performance, including their recent win, signals an emerging upward trajectory, but consistency remains essential if they hope to secure an NCAA Tournament bid for the first time since 2019.
Details for the Upcoming Matchup Between Iowa State and Cincinnati
The highly anticipated game takes place on Saturday, January 17, at Cincinnati’s Firth Third Arena—a historic venue known for its passionate fan base. The game is scheduled for 2 p.m. Eastern Time and will be broadcast live for viewers eager to catch every play.
Fans can tune in via YouTubeTV on NBCSN or stream the game directly through Peacock, reflecting the platform’s expanding coverage of college basketball. As part of their Saturday schedule, viewers can also expect other key matchups from different conferences across the country on Peacock, which has become a central hub for college sports content.
How to Watch and Access College Basketball via Peacock
For fans interested in catching the game and other live college basketball action on Peacock, several options are available. To watch the Iowa State versus Cincinnati game, viewers can subscribe to Peacock and stream the event live from their preferred device. The platform supports a wide range of compatible devices, including smart TVs, tablets, smartphones, and computers—ensuring flexible access.
Additionally, for those who wish to explore more college basketball games across the Big Ten, Big 12, and Big East conferences, signing up for a Peacock subscription grants access to a broad array of live sports and events. Existing subscribers may need to cancel their current plan to take advantage of special offers, including the Peacock Student Discount, which provides a reduced rate for eligible students.
To qualify for the student discount, applicants must be 18 or older, enrolled in a Title IV-accredited college or university in the United States, and share verification information with SheerID, including college email addresses, student IDs, and other documentation. More details and the verification process are available at Peacock’s dedicated student offer webpage.
What Devices Support Peacock Streaming?
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Peacock ensures broad accessibility by supporting numerous devices. Whether watching on a smart TV, streaming device, mobile phone, or computer, fans can enjoy live sports and entertainment seamless across platforms. For a complete list of supported devices, visitors can check Peacock’s official site.
This Saturday’s college basketball schedule promises excitement and high-stakes competition for fans eager to see top-ranked teams in action. With streaming options expanding and key matchups like Iowa State versus Cincinnati, Peacock continues to position itself as a primary destination for college sports lovers craving live, on-demand coverage.
