Cyclones Turn Up the Heat in Physical Big 12 Clash Against Baylor
Hilton Coliseum was rocking on February 7, and the Iowa State Cyclones gave the home crowd plenty to cheer about. In a high-energy Big 12 showdown, the Cyclones brought relentless pressure on both ends of the floor, setting the tone early and never letting up against a tough Baylor Bears squad.
From the opening tip, Iowa State’s defense was dialed in. Forward Joshua Jefferson and Killyan Toure wasted no time making their presence felt, swarming Baylor guard Isaac Williams IV with aggressive double-teams and suffocating ball pressure. That kind of defensive intensity wasn’t just a momentary spark - it was the identity of the Cyclones all night.
Toure, in particular, was everywhere. Whether he was driving past defenders like Baylor center Caden Powell or diving into passing lanes for steals, he played with the kind of motor that energizes an entire team. One standout play saw Toure split two Baylor defenders - Obi Agbim and Tounde Yessoufou - on a determined drive to the rim, showcasing not just athleticism, but fearlessness.
Offensively, the Cyclones moved with purpose. Milan Momcilovic made his mark with a confident pull-up jumper over Agbim, then later let the crowd know how he felt about a three-pointer that splashed through the net.
His reaction? Pure emotion - and pure Hilton Magic.
Jefferson wasn’t just a defensive anchor. He showed off his offensive versatility, taking Powell off the dribble and later stepping out to knock down a three over the big man. That kind of inside-out game is exactly what makes him such a tough matchup in the Big 12.
The backcourt was just as active. Jamarion Batemon and Tamin Lipsey both attacked Baylor’s guards off the bounce, creating driving lanes and forcing the Bears to rotate.
Lipsey’s court vision stood out as he probed the defense, looking for the right angle to make a play. At one point, he and Jefferson teamed up to trap Yessoufou in the corner, forcing a near turnover that had the crowd on its feet.
Blake Buchanan brought the physicality in the second half, powering his way through the Baylor defense with a strong drive. Nate Heise followed suit, slicing past Yessoufou and later finishing through contact on a tough layup around Isaac Williams IV.
The Cyclones’ defensive pressure only ramped up as the game wore on. Lipsey picked the pocket of Michael Rataj in the open court, and Toure came up with a key steal from Agbim in the second half - one of several moments that showed just how disruptive Iowa State could be when they’re locked in.
Even the hustle plays told the story. Toure and Powell got tangled up fighting for a loose ball in the paint, a battle emblematic of the gritty, physical nature of the matchup. This wasn’t just a game - it was a war in the trenches, and the Cyclones were more than ready for it.
By the final buzzer, it was clear: Iowa State brought the edge, the energy, and the execution. In a conference where every possession matters, this was the kind of performance that sends a message.
The Cyclones aren’t just playing hard - they’re playing smart, connected basketball. And if they keep this up, they’ll be a serious problem for anyone standing in their way.