Iowa State Cyclones Triumph Over Kansas Jayhawks in Thrilling Victory, Solidifying Big 12 Title Contention
Cyclones’ Sharpshooting Performance Propels Them to Victory
AMES, Iowa – The Iowa State Cyclones, ranked 18th nationally, delivered a resounding 79-75 victory over the No. 8 Kansas Jayhawks on Saturday afternoon at Hilton Coliseum, extending their perfect home record this season and firmly establishing themselves as contenders in the Big 12 title race.
The Cyclones, led by a balanced offensive attack and a season-high 14 three-pointers, weathered a late Kansas rally to secure their second win of the week over their southwesterly rivals, having previously defeated Kansas State in controversial fashion on Wednesday.
Cyclones’ Sharpshooting Performance Propels Them to Victory
Iowa State’s triumph was largely fueled by their impressive long-range shooting, as they connected on 14 of their 30 attempts from beyond the arc. This marked their best 3-point shooting performance of the season, surpassing the 10 three-pointers they had made against both Eastern Illinois and Florida A&M in non-conference play.
Cyclone forward Tre King, who entered the game with a modest 3-of-16 record from three-point range, emerged as a sharpshooter, draining 4-of-7 attempts from deep en route to his 21-point performance. Keshon Gilbert added 16 points for Iowa State, while point guard Tamin Lipsey dished out eight assists.
Clutch Three-Pointer Seals the Win for Cyclones
Iowa State led by as many as 12 points in the second half, but Kansas managed to reduce the deficit to just two points in the final minute of the game. However, the Cyclones responded with a clutch three-pointer from Gilbert, who sank the shot with just 41 seconds remaining on the clock, effectively sealing the victory for Iowa State.
Iowa State’s Improved Three-Point Shooting: A Collective Effort
While Iowa State’s exceptional three-point shooting performance against Kansas was a key factor in their victory, head coach T.J. Otzelberger emphasized that it was not simply a matter of luck. He attributed the team’s success to their ball movement, unselfish play, and trust in their daily practice routine.
Changing Landscape of the Big 12 Regular Season
The expansion of the Big 12 conference to 14 teams this season, with a further expansion to 16 teams next year, has resulted in the elimination of the round-robin schedule that was a hallmark of the league when it consisted of 10 teams. Consequently, this marked the only regular-season meeting between the Cyclones and the Jayhawks this season, depriving the conference and college basketball fans of one of its most captivating matchups.
Coach Bill Self Reflects on the Impact of the Changing Schedule
Kansas coach Bill Self acknowledged that the new scheduling format may affect the perception of the regular-season league championship, as teams no longer play each other twice. However, he expressed his belief that the Big 12 remains a formidable conference and that the winner of the league should still be considered a top seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Tribute to Longtime Official John Higgins
Prior to the game, Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard honored John Higgins, a longtime referee known for his work in Final Fours and his distinctive blonde hair. Higgins, who hails from nearby Omaha, retired following last season after an illustrious 35-year career, during which he officiated in 29 NCAA Tournaments, nine Final Fours, and two national title games.
Iowa State’s Upcoming Schedule
After a grueling week that included two high-intensity games and allegations of huddle spying by Kansas State, the Cyclones will have a chance to regroup and prepare for their next challenge. They will face No. 14 Baylor in Waco on Saturday, February 11th. The Bears, who have lost their last two games, both on the road, will be eager to avenge their three losses to Iowa State last season.
Travis Hines Provides In-Depth Coverage
Travis Hines, a sportswriter for the Des Moines Register and Ames Tribune, provided comprehensive coverage of the game, delving into the key storylines, player performances, and the impact of the changing Big 12 schedule. His analysis offers valuable insights into the Cyclones’ victory and the evolving landscape of college basketball.
Be sure to follow the Cyclones as they continue their quest for the Big 12 title, and catch all the action on ESPN!