In a significant setback for the Iowa State men's basketball team, forward Milan Momcilovic suffered a hand injury during practice this week, rendering him unavailable for an indefinite period. Momcilovic, a key contributor to the Cyclones' success this season, had started in nearly every game, showcasing his skills on both ends of the court.
The injury comes at a crucial juncture for Iowa State, as they were gearing up to face off against the formidable No. 9 Kansas team in a highly anticipated Big 12 matchup on Wednesday night. The Cyclones, boasting an impressive 14-1 record and riding an 11-game winning streak, will now have to adjust their game plan in Momcilovic's absence.
Throughout the season, the sophomore forward has been a reliable scorer for Iowa State, averaging 10.3 points and 3.5 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 44% from beyond the arc. His ability to stretch the floor and contribute on both offense and defense has been instrumental in the team's success.
In Momcilovic's absence, the Cyclones are expected to lean more heavily on players like Nate Heise, a transfer from Northern Iowa, who has shown promise with an average of 4.1 points per game. Additionally, Brandton Chatfield, a transfer from Seattle, has stepped up his performance, particularly in conference play, and is poised to take on a larger role in Momcilovic's absence.
Despite the setback, Iowa State has climbed to the No. 2 spot in the latest AP Top 25 rankings, marking a historic achievement for the program. The Cyclones will look to maintain their momentum and continue their winning ways as they navigate through Momcilovic's absence and face tough competition in the Big 12.
For more updates and alerts on college basketball rankings, fans can stay tuned to the AP Top 25 coverage throughout the season.
Sources: AP Top 25 College Basketball Poll and AP College Basketball
