Following a dominant non-conference performance, Iowa State's men’s basketball team is poised to make waves in the Big 12. The Cyclones secured a resounding victory over Morgan State, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating conference season.

A New Era of Excellence Awaits as Iowa State Prepares for Big 12 Showdowns

Cyclones' Stellar Performance Signals Bright Future

The Iowa State men’s basketball team has been nothing short of spectacular this season. Their recent triumph over Morgan State exemplifies their readiness for the challenges ahead. With a final score of 99-72, the Cyclones demonstrated unparalleled skill and teamwork. Tamin Lipsey led the charge with an impressive 20 points, showcasing his shooting prowess by hitting 8-of-9 attempts from the field. His five assists and three steals further underscored his all-around contribution.Curtis Jones provided a significant boost off the bench, scoring 19 points and delivering six assists. One of the highlights of his performance was a remarkable block that thwarted a potential dunk by Morgan State. Keshon Gilbert also had a standout game, scoring 18 points on an efficient 8-of-9 shooting, while dishing out seven assists. Dishon Jackson contributed 12 points, five blocks, and two steals, solidifying the team's defensive presence.

Balanced Attack Ensures Consistent Success

Joshua Jefferson delivered yet another double-double, marking his fourth in the last five games. He amassed 11 points, 12 rebounds, three blocks, and two steals, demonstrating his versatility and reliability. Milan Momcilovic added 10 points and seven rebounds, emphasizing the team's well-rounded approach. "We have excellent balance this year," Momcilovic remarked. "Our frontcourt players and guards are equally strong, allowing us to expect multiple players scoring in double digits each game."The Cyclones showcased their offensive might by scoring a season-high 50 points in the first half. They entered halftime with a commanding 50-34 lead and maintained their dominance throughout the second half. Shooting an impressive 66.7% in the latter period, they extended their lead to as much as 27 points. Overall, the team shot 61.0% from the field and 35.0% from beyond the arc, reflecting their sharp focus and execution.

Early Challenges Forge Stronger Team

Despite a promising start, the Cyclones faced some early challenges. After a 17-3 opening run, they experienced a lull in both offense and defense. Morgan State capitalized on these moments, keeping the game within reach. However, the Bears lacked the firepower to overtake Iowa State and never managed to lead. Coach T.J. Otzelberger acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly in defending pick-and-roll plays and guarding the middle.Morgan State showed resilience, outrebounding the Cyclones in the initial stages and making several tough finishes in traffic. Yet, Iowa State regained momentum towards the end of the first half. Jackson and Jefferson's clutch free throws sparked a decisive 13-2 run, which sealed the deal with a 39-25 lead. From that point onward, the Cyclones never let the deficit dip below double digits.

Looking Ahead to Big 12 Competition

With a record of 10-1, the Cyclones are set to face Colorado in their final game of 2024, marking the beginning of their Big 12 campaign. This matchup will be a rematch from the Maui Invitational, where Iowa State emerged victorious with a 99-71 win. Coach Otzelberger remains optimistic about the team's progress but emphasizes the need for consistency. "There’s a lot to take away from our non-conference play," he said. "We’ve seen glimpses of the team we can be, and now it's time to shift gears and prepare for the next phase."Iowa State's undefeated home record at Hilton Coliseum in 2024, with nine victories from the previous season and seven this year, underscores their dominance. As the team prepares for the holiday break, the anticipation builds for what lies ahead in the Big 12.