The Iowa State Cyclones just sent a message loud and clear to the rest of college basketball: they’re not just good - they’re dangerous. On Saturday, the No. 5-ranked Cyclones (22-3, 9-3 Big 12) delivered a resounding 74-56 win over No. 9 Kansas, a performance that looked every bit like a team ready to make a serious run in March.
Let’s be clear - this wasn’t just a win. It was a statement.
Iowa State didn’t just beat Kansas; they shut them down. The Jayhawks, who came in with one of the most balanced offensive attacks in the country, were held to just 56 points - tying their season low.
The only other time Kansas scored that few was in a five-point loss to UConn back in December. This time, it wasn’t close.
The Cyclones' defense was the driving force, and it’s not a surprise if you’ve been paying attention. Ranked No. 5 in KenPom’s adjusted defensive efficiency, Iowa State has built its identity around making life miserable for opposing offenses.
On Saturday, they did exactly that - especially against Kansas freshman standout Darryn Peterson. The young guard came in with momentum but was held to just 10 points on 3-of-10 shooting.
That kind of defensive effort doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the product of a system that thrives on pressure, discipline, and relentless energy.
Iowa State racked up six steals and three blocks, but the numbers only tell part of the story. Every possession felt like a grind for Kansas.
The Cyclones switched, rotated, and closed out with precision. They didn’t just defend - they dictated the terms of the game.
And when you pair that kind of defense with timely shot-making? That’s when things get scary.
Junior forward Milan Momcilovic was the offensive spark, dropping 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting, including 4-of-9 from deep. He’s not just a hot hand - he’s been lights out all season.
Momcilovic is leading all of Division I in three-point percentage at a blistering 51.6%. He’s made at least two triples in all but two games this season - and in those two, he still shot over 30% from deep.
That kind of consistency from long range stretches defenses and opens up the floor for everyone else.
And it’s not just Momcilovic. Jamarion Batemon (39.8% from three) and Joshua Jefferson (39.4%) are both legitimate threats from the perimeter.
That trio gives Iowa State one of the most dangerous shooting corps in the country. Add in Tamin Lipsey - the Big 12’s steals leader at 2.3 per game - and you’ve got a team that can score, defend, and control tempo on both ends of the floor.
This isn’t a group that’s padding its record against soft competition, either. The Cyclones have already notched impressive non-conference wins over St.
John’s, Purdue, and in-state rival Iowa - all teams with strong NCAA Tournament résumés. And the road ahead offers even more chances to prove themselves.
Matchups still remain against No. 3 Houston, No.
22 BYU, No. 16 Texas Tech, and top-ranked Arizona.
That’s a gauntlet - but it’s also a golden opportunity.
Right now, Iowa State is projected as a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament, but if they keep playing like this, don’t be surprised if they push their way onto the 1-line. The pieces are there - elite defense, consistent shooting, a battle-tested résumé, and a team that’s peaking at the right time.
Saturday’s win over Kansas wasn’t just a big moment - it might be the turning point that launches the Cyclones into the national title conversation. The rest of the country better take notice.
Because in Ames, the forecast is clear: a storm is building.