In a thrilling matchup between two college basketball powerhouses, the No. 23 Iowa State Cyclones pulled off an impressive upset against the No. 7 Kansas Jayhawks. The Cyclones secured a 79-75 victory on their home court, improving their record to 16-4 for the season and solidifying their position as a top contender in the Big 12 conference.
Led by a standout performance from Tre King, who recorded 21 points and nine rebounds, Iowa State showcased their dominance at home, extending their unbeaten streak to 13-0 this season. King's impressive display was complemented by Keshon Gilbert, who contributed 16 points, and Curtis Jones, who made a significant impact off the bench with 15 points.
One of the key factors in Iowa State's success was their exceptional shooting from beyond the arc. The Cyclones, known for their potent offense, were on fire from three-point range, converting 14 of their 30 attempts. This marked a season-best performance from long range for Iowa State and proved crucial in securing the victory.
The raucous atmosphere in the arena played a significant role in the team's confidence and success. Guard Tamin Lipsey explained that playing in such an electrifying environment led to an elevated belief in their shooting abilities. The passionate crowd and the overall vibe in the arena motivated the players to take shots with confidence and helped them build a substantial lead.
Iowa State took control of the game in the early stages of the second half, thanks in part to timely contributions from Lipsey and Jones. Lipsey's three-pointer and layup provided a spark, and Jones extended the Cyclones' lead to 55-43 with a clutch three-pointer.
The Jayhawks, known for their resilience, made several attempts to mount a comeback. Hunter Dickinson was the standout performer for Kansas, tallying 20 points and an impressive 15 rebounds. However, the Cyclones' defense remained steadfast, thwarting the Jayhawks' efforts.
Kansas managed to close the gap to 67-63 with a layup by Dickinson and a fast-break dunk by Johnny Furphy. However, Iowa State maintained composure and held on to their lead. Gilbert's layup with 2:43 left on the clock gave the Cyclones a comfortable 74-65 advantage. Although the Jayhawks rallied again, Gilbert's timely three-pointer with 41 seconds remaining sealed the victory for Iowa State, inching them closer to victory.
Kansas coach Bill Self acknowledged his team's struggles in defending against Iowa State's three-point shooting barrage. Self mentioned that his team should have done better in contesting the shots but also acknowledged that the Cyclones made shots they haven't been making consistently throughout the season.
This matchup between Iowa State and Kansas was the only scheduled meeting of the season due to the shifting dynamics of Big 12 membership. The historic rivalry between the two teams added an extra layer of intensity to the contest, with Saturday's game marking the 257th meeting between Iowa State and Kansas. The Jayhawks had previously dominated the series, winning eight of the last ten matchups.
The Cyclones' impressive defensive performance deserves recognition as they managed to slow down the high-scoring Jayhawks. Kansas, leading the Big 12 in shooting percentage, was limited to 45% shooting for the game, unable to find their usual rhythm.
Looking ahead, Kansas will host Oklahoma State in their next game on Tuesday, hoping to bounce back from this defeat and regain their winning momentum. Meanwhile, Iowa State will face a tough road challenge as they visit the highly ranked Baylor Bears on February 3.
