Iowa State’s Triumphant Victory Over Kansas: A Detailed Recap
On a crisp Saturday afternoon in Ames, Iowa, the Iowa State Cyclones and the Kansas Jayhawks engaged in an electrifying basketball showdown at Hilton Coliseum. The Cyclones, ranked 18th in the nation, delivered a resounding 79-75 victory over the eighth-ranked Jayhawks, securing a perfect week and an unblemished record at home this season.
A Decisive Victory in the Sunflower State
This hard-fought triumph marked Iowa State’s second win of the week against their southwesterly rivals. Earlier in the week, the Cyclones had emerged victorious in a somewhat controversial encounter with Kansas State. These back-to-back victories propelled Iowa State into the thick of the Big 12 title race, positioning them as serious contenders for the conference crown.
Tamin Lipsey’s Unwavering Belief in the Team’s Potential
Iowa State point guard Tamin Lipsey exuded confidence in his team’s abilities, emphasizing their unwavering pursuit of greatness. He spoke of the countless hours dedicated to honing their skills and building a strong team bond. Lipsey expressed his unwavering belief in the team’s potential to achieve remarkable feats as the season progressed.
A Historic Feat: Back-to-Back Home Victories Against Kansas
Iowa State’s victory over Kansas marked a significant milestone, as it was the first time since 2015 and 2016 that the Cyclones had defeated the Jayhawks at Hilton Coliseum in consecutive years. This achievement further underscored the Cyclones’ growing prominence within the Big 12 conference.
Cyclones Unleash a Barrage of Three-Pointers
One of the key factors in Iowa State’s victory was their impressive performance from beyond the arc. The Cyclones connected on a season-high 14 three-pointers, surpassing their previous best of 10 threes, which they had achieved against both Eastern Illinois and Florida A&M during non-conference play.
Tre King’s Transformation into a Sharpshooter
Cyclone forward Tre King, who had struggled from three-point range prior to this game, showcased a remarkable transformation. He sank 4-of-7 attempts from deep, contributing 21 points to the team’s total. Keshon Gilbert added 16 points for the Cyclones, while Lipsey dished out eight assists, orchestrating the team’s offense with precision.
A Nail-Biting Finish: Iowa State’s Resolute Stand
Iowa State maintained a comfortable lead throughout much of the second half, but Kansas mounted a valiant comeback, narrowing the gap to just two points in the final minute. However, in a moment of clutch shooting, Keshon Gilbert delivered a crucial three-pointer with 41 seconds remaining, effectively sealing the victory for the Cyclones.
Iowa State’s Improved Three-Point Shooting: A Collective Effort
Iowa State’s impressive three-point shooting performance was not attributed solely to luck or chance. Coach T.J. Otzelberger highlighted the team’s exceptional ball movement, unselfish play, and unwavering trust in their abilities. He emphasized that the Cyclones’ success from beyond the arc was a testament to their hard work and dedication.
The Absence of a Regular-Season Rematch: A Missed Opportunity
One of the unfortunate consequences of the Big 12’s expansion to 14 teams is the elimination of the round-robin schedule that was a hallmark of the league when it consisted of 10 teams. As a result, this encounter between Iowa State and Kansas marked their only regular-season meeting, depriving fans of a potential rematch in Lawrence. This change has altered the perception of what a regular-season league championship entails.
Coach Bill Self’s Perspective on the Changing Landscape of the Big 12
Kansas coach Bill Self expressed his belief that the revised schedule could potentially impact the significance of winning the regular-season title. He noted that the unbalanced nature of the schedule, with certain teams playing each other twice while others do not, could lead to a different perception of the league championship.
Honoring John Higgins: A Farewell to a Legendary Official
Prior to the game, Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard paid tribute to John Higgins, a longtime referee known for his shock of blonde hair and his officiating prowess. Higgins, who had often worked Big 12 games at Hilton Coliseum, received a framed picture of the arena as a token of appreciation for his contributions to the sport. Cyclone fans, who had often booed Higgins during his career, showed their respect and admiration with a warm ovation.
A Well-Deserved Break for the Cyclones
After a grueling week that featured two high-intensity games and allegations of huddle spying by Kansas State, Iowa State welcomed a much-needed break. The Cyclones will not have their typical mid-week game and will instead shift their focus to their next contest, a road game against No. 14 Baylor in Waco on Saturday.
The Cyclones’ victory over Kansas marked a significant step forward in their quest for a Big 12 title. With a talented roster and a dedicated coaching staff, Iowa State is poised to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Fans can look forward to more exciting basketball action as the season progresses.