Iowa State basketball’s journey in the NCAA Tournament has been a rollercoaster, highlighted by a recent victory over Kentucky that secured their spot in the Sweet 16. After finishing the regular season with a record of 22-10, including a 10-8 mark in the Big 12, the Cyclones faced a tough challenge in the first round against Syracuse, where they fell 72-63.
In that game, Audi Crooks delivered an impressive performance, scoring 37 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Syracuse, who entered the matchup with a record of 24-8. Jada Williams also contributed significantly, adding 14 points and 8 assists.
However, the Cyclones rebounded in the second round, defeating Kentucky 82-63. Iowa State led at halftime with a score of 31-30 and showcased their offensive prowess in the second half, shooting 63.3% from the field. Tamin Lipsey was a standout player, recording a double-double with 26 points and 10 assists, while he and Milan Momcilovic combined for 46 points against the Wildcats.
This victory marks Iowa State’s third Sweet 16 appearance in the last five years under head coach T.J. Otzelberger, adding to their total of eight Sweet 16 appearances in the program’s history. The Cyclones’ previous notable achievement includes a Final Four appearance in 1944, during a time when the tournament featured only eight teams.
Looking ahead, Iowa State is set to face Tennessee in the Sweet 16 on March 27, 2026. Observers are eager to see if the Cyclones can continue their momentum and make a deeper run in the tournament this year.