AMES, Iowa – The No. 5 Iowa State Cyclones (22-3, 9-3 Big 12) delivered a stunning performance, defeating No. 9 Kansas (19-6, 9-3 Big 12) with a final score of 74-56 on Saturday in Hilton Coliseum. This remarkable win not only extended Iowa State’s perfect home record to 14-0 this season but also marked their impressive home record of 47-2 over the last three years, effectively halting Kansas’s eight-game winning streak.
The Cyclones showcased their shooting prowess, especially in the second half, where they converted 8 of 14 attempts from beyond the arc. They secured an early lead by making their first six 3-point attempts, building a commanding 24-point advantage. Milan Momcilovic notably scored 14 of his game-high 18 points in the second half, hitting 4 of 5 from 3-point range after failing to score in the first half. Tamin Lipsey contributed with 11 points, making crucial 3-pointers at the beginning of the second half.
Defensively, Iowa State was impressive as well, forcing 13 turnovers from the Jayhawks while committing only six themselves. Blake Buchanan, Joshua Jefferson, and Jamarion Batemon also chipped in with 11 points each, with Buchanan performing strongly by shooting 5 of 6 from the field and grabbing six rebounds. This victory also marked the Cyclones’ fourth straight home win over Kansas, a feat not accomplished since 1985-88.
The game began with a slow start, where the Cyclones struggled to find their rhythm, opening at just 1 for 10 shooting from the field. However, they quickly turned things around with a 9-0 run that gave them an 11-6 lead. Although Kansas briefly regained the lead thanks to Melvin Council Jr.’s three 3-pointers, a critical 20-2 run from ISU established a significant 36-22 lead before halftime.
The Cyclones continued their momentum into the second half, with quick scoring from Momcilovic and Lipsey that helped push their lead to 46-29. Despite a late attempt by KU to close the gap, ISU maintained control and secured a comfortable win.
Jamarion Batemon played a crucial role in Iowa State’s success, coming off the bench to make 11 points, including timely three-pointers that helped shift the game’s momentum.
Looking ahead, Iowa State faces a challenging matchup against No. 3 Houston on Monday, February 16, with tipoff scheduled for 8 p.m. CT on ESPN. This upcoming game promises to be another exciting test for the Cyclones as they continue their strong season.