Iowa State Cyclones Crush Arizona State 86-65, Secure Big 12 Seed

UPDATE: The No. 6 Iowa State Cyclones dominated the Arizona State Sun Devils with a decisive 86-65 victory, securing the No. 5 seed for the upcoming Big 12 Tournament. This clash at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa, showcased Iowa State’s strength as they head into the postseason.

Head Coach T.J. Otzelberger expressed pride in his team’s performance, especially their defensive effort in the second half: “The effort in the second half defensively, flying around, generating turnovers and scoring off of defense.” The Cyclones are set to face their next opponent in Kansas City at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

The Cyclones’ big three—Joshua Jefferson, Tamin Lipsey, and Milan Momcilovic—each scored 16 points in a balanced offensive effort. This victory not only highlights their individual talents but also their teamwork as they push towards March Madness.

“Coming back to Iowa State was the best decision in my life,” Jefferson said after his standout performance.

In his final home game, Jefferson contributed significantly with seven rebounds, three assists, and a block. Lipsey, a notable player who has completed all four years at Iowa State, added six assists and six steals to his tally.

The game started with Arizona State seizing an early lead, but Iowa State quickly responded. A surge led by Jamarion Batemon and Momcilovic shifted momentum, allowing Iowa State to lead by nine points late in the first half. However, the Sun Devils rallied back, finishing the first half with a 10-0 run to take a 41-37 lead at halftime.

The second half saw Iowa State unleash a stunning 24-0 run, solidifying their dominance and keeping Arizona State at bay. A technical foul against freshman center Massamba Diop added to the Sun Devils’ challenges, following an altercation with Iowa State’s Blake Buchanan.

Otzelberger took the opportunity to honor his seniors, subbing in all five during a timeout to allow fans to applaud Jefferson, Lipsey, and others as they exited the court for the last time in their home arena.

Contributions from role players like Dominykas Pleta and Batemon also played a crucial role in the Cyclones’ success. Pleta recorded 11 points and a team-high three offensive rebounds, while Batemon hit three three-pointers, finishing with 13 points.

As Iowa State prepares for the Big 12 Tournament, this victory not only boosts their confidence but also sets the stage for what fans hope will be a thrilling postseason run. Stay tuned for updates on their next matchup and the excitement of March Madness.