Iowa State Rolls Past Oklahoma State with Dominant First Half, Completes Season Sweep
STILLWATER, Okla. - Iowa State didn’t just show up to Gallagher-Iba Arena on Thursday night - they came in with purpose, precision, and a plan that left no room for doubt. The ninth-ranked Cyclones wasted no time asserting their dominance, jumping out to a massive early lead and never looking back in an 84-71 win over Oklahoma State. With the victory, Iowa State completed a regular-season sweep of the Cowboys and made a loud statement in the Big 12 race.
And while Winter Storm Fern may have moved the tip-off up an hour, it was Iowa State that brought the blizzard - on the court.
A First-Half Avalanche
From the opening tip, the Cyclones looked like a team on a mission. They ripped off a 23-4 run to open the game, fueled by crisp ball movement and red-hot shooting.
It wasn’t just about hitting shots - it was about how they were getting them. Iowa State passed up good looks for great ones, showing off a level of offensive unselfishness that’s become a calling card of this team.
The numbers back it up. Iowa State assisted on 14 of their 18 made field goals in the first half alone, finishing the night with 17 assists on 26 buckets - a 65.4% assist rate.
That kind of ball movement doesn’t just happen. It’s a product of trust, timing, and basketball IQ - and the Cyclones had all three working at a high level.
That offensive rhythm translated into a 30-point halftime lead, and while Oklahoma State made a push in the second half, the damage had already been done.
Momcilovic Keeps Pouring It On
Milan Momcilovic continues to look every bit the offensive force Iowa State fans hoped for - and then some. The sophomore forward dropped 29 points on 8-of-12 shooting, including 5-of-9 from beyond the arc. It marked his 10th game this season with 20 or more points, and his third straight such performance.
Momcilovic has become a matchup nightmare. He’s shooting a blistering 54% from deep - the best in the country - and he’s not just a spot-up guy.
He moves well without the ball, finds open space, and punishes defenders who give him even an inch. Against Oklahoma State, he also showed poise under pressure, either scoring through contact or kicking out to open shooters when double-teamed.
Jefferson, Lipsey, and Toure Add Balance
While Momcilovic led the way, Iowa State got key contributions from others. Joshua Jefferson poured in 20 points, showcasing his ability to finish through traffic and stretch the floor.
Tamin Lipsey added 11 points and ran the offense with his usual blend of patience and pace. Killyan Toure chipped in 10, giving the Cyclones another dependable scoring option in the frontcourt.
This wasn’t a one-man show - it was a full ensemble effort, especially in that first half where nearly every possession felt like a clinic in offensive execution.
Turnovers Provide a Second-Half Wake-Up Call
If there’s one area where Iowa State will want to clean things up, it’s ball security. The Cyclones turned it over 18 times - a season high - with 12 of those coming in the second half. That sloppiness allowed Oklahoma State to cut the lead to as little as 10 late in the game, though the Cyclones were never truly in danger.
Still, those 18 giveaways turned into 25 points for the Cowboys. That’s the kind of stat that can swing a game against tougher opponents, especially come tournament time. Iowa State cooled off from the field in the second half as well, shooting just 36.4% after the break - a stark contrast to their first-half fireworks.
Oklahoma State’s Starters Struggle to Find Rhythm
Credit Iowa State’s defense - they made life miserable for Oklahoma State’s starting five. The Cowboys’ starters combined to shoot just 10-of-28 (35.7%) from the field and managed only 36 points as a group.
Parsa Fallah, who had a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double in the previous meeting, was held to just six points and seven boards. Anthony Roy, who torched Iowa State for five threes earlier this month, went cold, finishing with seven points on 2-of-10 shooting.
Oklahoma State did get a lift from their bench, with Jaylen Curry and Kanye Clary each scoring 19. Ryan Crotty also hit a timely three to stop the bleeding in the first half. But by the time the Cowboys found any offensive rhythm, the hole was too deep.
Final Takeaway
This was a statement win for Iowa State - not just because of the score, but because of how they did it. The Cyclones played fast, smart, and connected basketball, especially in the first half. Their ball movement was elite, their defense locked in, and their star scorers delivered.
Yes, the turnovers in the second half are a concern, but they’re also a reminder: this team still has room to grow. And that should be a scary thought for the rest of the Big 12.