Iowa State Cyclones Upend Kansas Jayhawks in Thrilling Victory, Securing Perfect Home Record
AMES, Iowa – In a captivating showdown at Hilton Coliseum, the Iowa State Cyclones delivered a resounding 79-75 victory over the No. 8 Kansas Jayhawks on Saturday afternoon, extending their unblemished home record this season and solidifying their position in the Big 12 title race.
The Cyclones, currently ranked 18th in the nation, secured their second win of the week against their southwesterly rivals, having previously defeated Kansas State in a controversial encounter on Wednesday. These consecutive triumphs have propelled Iowa State into contention for the Big 12 championship, with Texas Tech currently holding the top spot with a single league loss.
Tamin Lipsey, the Cyclones’ point guard, expressed the team’s unwavering ambition: “Our standard is the top of the Big 12, and that’s what we’re competing for every day. We’ve worked tirelessly since the summer, putting in countless hours in the gym and building our bond off the court. We expect the most from ourselves and each other as a team, and I anticipate great things from us as we continue this season.”
This victory marked the first time Iowa State had defeated Kansas at home in back-to-back years since 2015 and 2016. The Cyclones’ triumph was fueled by a remarkable display of long-range shooting, connecting on a season-high 14 three-pointers, surpassing their previous best of 10 against Eastern Illinois and Florida A&M in non-conference play.
Tre King, Iowa State’s forward, who entered the game with a modest 3-of-16 record from beyond the arc, stunned the crowd with an impressive 4-of-7 performance from deep, contributing 21 points to the team’s tally. Keshon Gilbert added 16 points, while Lipsey dished out eight assists, orchestrating the Cyclones’ offensive flow.
The Cyclones faced a resilient Kansas squad that rallied in the second half, reducing Iowa State’s lead to a mere two points in the final minute. However, in a moment of clutch execution, Gilbert sank a crucial three-pointer with the shot clock winding down, extending the Cyclones’ advantage to five points with just 41 seconds remaining, effectively sealing the victory.
Iowa State’s remarkable 14-of-30 performance from three-point range stood in stark contrast to their previous struggles in Big 12 play, where they ranked among the league’s worst in three-point shooting. Kansas coach Bill Self acknowledged the Cyclones’ exceptional shooting display, stating, “Give them credit. Could we have done better? Yes. A lot of it was they made shots they hadn’t been making statistically this year. We played the percentages, thinking coming up here that would be the smart play and we could eliminate some ball-screen stuff by switching. They made us pay for it.”
Tre King, who emerged as an unlikely sharpshooter for the Cyclones, attributed his success to the team’s strategic preparation. “It was one thing we talked about in preparing for this game that a lot of guys were going to help off of me because they didn’t think I could shoot the ball,” King explained. “Coach T.J. and coach Erik Crawford really talked to me about if they sag off and it’s the right shot and the right time, take it and make it.”
While Iowa State’s shooting performance may have appeared fortuitous, coach T.J. Otzelberger emphasized the team’s dedication and teamwork as key factors in their success. “Our guys’ ball movement, looking for one another, trust in the work that they do every single day was so important,” he said. “It’s not as much as a fluke shooting effort as much as a bunch of guys who are really hungry to get a win, who play for one another and knock down the shots when the opportunity presented itself.”
Changing Landscape of the Big 12: Implications of Expansion
The expansion of the Big 12 conference to 14 teams this season, with a further expansion to 16 teams next year, has brought about significant changes to the league’s scheduling format. Gone are the days of round-robin play, a hallmark of the conference when it consisted of 10 teams. As a result, this season’s matchup between Iowa State and Kansas will be their only regular-season meeting, with the Cyclones not traveling to Lawrence for the first time since 1921.
This alteration has sparked a discussion among fans and analysts regarding the perceived value of a regular-season league championship. Kansas coach Bill Self, who has won an astounding 16 regular-season Big 12 championships, shared his perspective on the matter: “I could be wrong on this, OK, I think winning the league mindset with players and fans is different than it was when you knew you were playing everybody twice. We’re playing Baylor twice. We’re playing Houston twice. We’re playing Oklahoma twice, who’s been in the top-10. We’re playing our rival K-State twice.
“I was in the Big Ten when it was an unbalanced league. A lot of times the favorite in the league is depending on who you get at home and who you get on the road. To me, it’s going to be a fabulous league. Whoever wins the league should be a one-seed. That’s how I see it, regardless.
“But I don’t think it has the same meaning, at least when you go into a locker room and you have the standings up there and it’s uneven and you’re not playing the same people.
“I don’t think it has the same bearing right now as what it’s had in years past.”
Tribute to a Longtime Officiating Legend
Saturday’s game also served as an occasion to honor John Higgins, a legendary referee known for his signature shock of blonde hair and his officiating prowess in numerous Final Fours. Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard presented Higgins with a framed picture of Hilton Coliseum before tip-off, acknowledging his contributions to the sport.
Higgins, a native of nearby Omaha, Nebraska, retired after a remarkable 35-year career, during which he officiated in 29 NCAA Tournaments, nine Final Fours, and two national title games. He is now the coordinator of officials for the Western Basketball Officiating Consortium.
Upcoming Schedule: Cyclones Prepare for Baylor Challenge
Following a grueling week that featured two high-intensity games and allegations of huddle spying by Kansas State, Iowa State will have a brief respite before their next contest. The Cyclones will forgo their typical mid-week game and instead focus on preparing for their upcoming matchup against No. 14 Baylor in Waco, Texas, on Saturday.
The Bears, currently holding a 14-4 overall record and a 3-2 mark in Big 12 play, have suffered back-to-back losses heading into their home game against TCU. Last season, Iowa State swept Baylor in three games, demonstrating their ability to challenge even the most formidable opponents.
Travis Hines, a sports journalist covering Iowa State University for the Des Moines Register and Ames Tribune, provided in-depth coverage of the game and the surrounding storylines.
Call to Action: Don’t miss the Cyclones’ next thrilling matchup as they take on the Baylor Bears in Waco, Texas, this Saturday. Secure your tickets now to witness an unforgettable clash between two Big 12 powerhouses.