Iowa State Upsets No. 8 Kansas, Strengthens Big 12 Title Contention
AMES, Iowa – In a thrilling display of offensive prowess and defensive tenacity, Iowa State basketball secured a decisive 79-75 victory over No. 8 Kansas on Saturday afternoon at Hilton Coliseum, extending their perfect home record this season and solidifying their position in the Big 12 title race.
The Cyclones, currently ranked 18th in the nation, delivered a dominant performance, shooting a season-high 14 three-pointers and showcasing their resilience in the face of a determined Kansas squad.
Offensive Explosion Propels Iowa State to Victory
Iowa State’s offense was on fire from beyond the arc, connecting on 14 of their 30 attempts from downtown. Tre King, who entered the game with a modest 3-of-16 record from three-point range, surprised everyone with a remarkable 4-of-7 performance, contributing 21 points to the team’s total. Keshon Gilbert added 16 points, while Tamin Lipsey dished out eight assists, orchestrating the Cyclones’ offensive flow with precision.
Key Plays and Clutch Shooting Down the Stretch
Iowa State maintained a comfortable lead throughout the second half, but Kansas refused to surrender, chipping away at the deficit and bringing the game within two points in the final minute. With the Cyclones clinging to a slim advantage, Gilbert stepped up with a crucial three-pointer, providing much-needed breathing room and effectively sealing the victory for Iowa State.
Kansas Coach Bill Self Acknowledges Iowa State’s Shooting Prowess
Kansas coach Bill Self acknowledged the Cyclones’ impressive shooting display, stating, “Give them credit. 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. They shot it great.”
Tre King’s Unlikely Transformation into a Sharpshooter
Tre King’s unexpected emergence as a long-range threat was a key factor in Iowa State’s victory. The Cyclones had anticipated this possibility, recognizing that teams might sag off King, assuming he lacked shooting prowess. With this in mind, coaches T.J. Otzelberger and Erik Crawford encouraged King to take open shots when presented, and he capitalized on the opportunity, connecting on four of his seven attempts from deep.
Otzelberger Praises Team’s Ball Movement and Shot-Making
Coach Otzelberger attributed the team’s remarkable shooting performance not to luck but to their exceptional ball movement, selfless play, and unwavering belief in their hard work. He emphasized, “Our guys’ ball movement, looking for one another, trust in the work that they do every single day was so important. 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.”
Scheduling Changes Impact Regular-Season Title Significance
The Big 12’s expansion to 14 teams this season and the upcoming move to 16 teams next year have resulted in the elimination of the round-robin schedule that was a hallmark of the 10-team conference. Consequently, this was the only regular-season meeting between Iowa State and Kansas, and the Cyclones will not play in Lawrence for the first time since 1921. This change has prompted discussions about the altered perception of the regular-season league championship.
Coach Self Reflects on the Evolving Meaning of the Regular-Season Title
Kansas coach Bill Self, who has won a remarkable 16 regular-season Big 12 championships, shared his thoughts on the changing significance of the regular-season title. He remarked, “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 Longtime Official John Higgins
Iowa State took a moment to honor John Higgins, a legendary referee known for his signature blonde hair and impressive officiating career. Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard presented Higgins with a framed picture of Hilton Coliseum before tip-off, acknowledging his contributions to the sport and his frequent presence at Hilton Coliseum as one of the most esteemed officials in the Big 12. Higgins, who hails from nearby Omaha, retired last season after an illustrious 35-year career, during which he officiated 29 NCAA Tournaments, nine Final Fours, and two national title games. He now serves as the coordinator of officials for the Western Basketball Officiating Consortium.
Upcoming Schedule: Iowa State Prepares for Baylor Clash
Following a demanding week that included two intense games and allegations of huddle spying by Kansas State, Iowa State will have a chance to regroup and refocus. The Cyclones will not have their usual mid-week game and instead will travel to Waco on Saturday to face No. 14 Baylor. The Bears have recently suffered back-to-back losses on the road and will be eager to rebound in their home game against TCU. Iowa State swept Baylor in three games last season, setting the stage for another captivating matchup between these two Big 12 powerhouses.
Call to Action: Don’t miss the thrilling conclusion to the Big 12 regular season as Iowa State takes on Baylor in a battle for conference supremacy. Secure your tickets now and witness the Cyclones’ pursuit of a Big 12 title!