The Iowa State Cyclones secured a commanding 74-57 victory over the Kansas Jayhawks, extending their winning streak to an impressive 12 games. The Cyclones' resilience and strategic gameplay were on full display as they overcame the absence of key forward Milan Momcilovic due to injury. Curtis Jones led the charge with an outstanding performance, scoring 25 points in his second start of the season. This win marks another milestone for Coach T.J. Otzelberger, who now ties Johnny Orr's record for most victories against top-10 opponents.

Experience the Thrill of Iowa State’s Unstoppable Streak

Strategic Adjustments Yield Success

The Cyclones faced a significant challenge with the indefinite absence of forward Milan Momcilovic, sidelined by a hand injury. However, this setback only highlighted the team's depth and adaptability. Curtis Jones, stepping into the starting lineup, delivered a stellar performance, making his first six shots and finishing the night with five successful three-pointers. His season-high 26 points off the bench against Texas Tech foreshadowed his dominance on the court. Jones was not alone in his brilliance; Dishon Jackson also shone brightly, tying his season high with 17 points. Notably, this was Jackson's first appearance off the bench this season, showcasing the versatility of the Cyclones' roster. Joshua Jefferson added to the team's prowess with his sixth double-double, contributing 10 points and securing 12 rebounds.

A Legacy of Wins Against Top Teams

Coach T.J. Otzelberger's tenure has been marked by remarkable achievements. With this win, he has tied Johnny Orr's record for most victories against top-10 opponents, earning his 12th such win in just four seasons. Orr, who coached the Cyclones for 14 years, set the bar high, but Otzelberger's modern approach has revitalized the program. The Cyclones entered this game with their highest ranking in program history, demonstrating the impact of Otzelberger's leadership.

Kansas Struggles to Contain Cyclones' Momentum

Despite Zeke Mayo leading the Jayhawks with 17 points and Dajuan Harris Jr. adding eight, Kansas struggled to maintain momentum. The Jayhawks committed 17 turnovers and were outrebounded 43-33, leading to their first Big 12 road loss. A critical moment came late in the game when the Jayhawks cut the deficit to five points. However, their momentum was halted after failing to secure a crucial rebound, allowing Tamin Lipsey to extend the Cyclones' lead with a three-pointer from the wing.

Key Moments Define the Game

The turning point in the game occurred when the Jayhawks reduced a 12-point deficit to just five. Yet, their comeback attempt faltered when they missed a key rebound following a missed free throw by Jefferson. This pivotal moment allowed the Cyclones to regain control, with Lipsey's timely three-pointer putting them up 61-52 with 4:10 remaining. Jones had dominated the first half with 20 points but went scoreless for over 18 minutes in the second, highlighting the team's collective effort.

Extending Dominance at Home

Iowa State's homecourt advantage has been a formidable force, with the Cyclones now boasting a 28-game home win streak. They have beaten Kansas three consecutive times in Ames, solidifying their stronghold in Big 12 competition. The atmosphere at Hilton Coliseum was electric, with fans camping outside in anticipation of the top-10 matchup. This victory further cements the Cyclones' status as a powerhouse in college basketball.

Looking Ahead

With this dominant performance behind them, the Cyclones set their sights on West Virginia for their next contest. Meanwhile, Kansas will host Kansas State, aiming to regroup and refocus. The excitement surrounding these matchups promises more thrilling action in the coming days.