Cyclones Set the Tone Early, Cruise Past Oklahoma State with Commanding First-Half Performance
If there was any lingering concern about Iowa State’s tendency to start games slow, that narrative was put to bed in emphatic fashion Saturday afternoon in Stillwater. The Cyclones blitzed Oklahoma State with a first-half performance that bordered on flawless, building a 30-point lead by halftime and cruising to an 84-71 win at Gallagher-Iba Arena. With the victory, Iowa State moves to 18-2 on the season and 5-2 in Big 12 play - the best 20-game start in program history.
First-Half Fireworks
From the opening tip, Iowa State came out with a sense of urgency and rhythm that Oklahoma State simply couldn’t match. The Cyclones knocked down six of their first 10 shots from beyond the arc, racing out to a 28-9 lead after a Killyan Toure corner three - his first of the game. But it wasn’t just hot shooting - it was a clinic in ball movement, spacing, and shot selection.
Milan Momcilovic was the engine early, starting 5-of-6 from the floor and drilling two early threes, including a four-point play that sent a clear message: the Cyclones came to play. His third triple came off a second-chance opportunity, thanks to a hustle rebound by Blake Buchanan, and Momcilovic made Oklahoma State pay with another clean look.
Joshua Jefferson matched that energy with a sharp opening act of his own. He hit his first two threes and added a pair of assists, one to Toure for a triple and another to a cutting Buchanan for a layup. Jefferson’s confidence and decision-making helped set the tone for an offense that looked as connected as it has all season.
By halftime, the numbers spoke for themselves: Iowa State shot 62 percent from the field (18-of-29) and 53 percent from three (9-of-17). Jefferson was a perfect 4-for-4 in the half, and Momcilovic had already piled up 19 of his game-high 29 points.
The Cyclones forced Oklahoma State into mistake after mistake, converting 14 points off turnovers and closing the half on a dominant 14-2 run. In total, they outscored the Cowboys 25-4 over the final 3:33 of the first half and the first 3:14 of the game.
Second-Half Slippage, But Lead Holds
The second half wasn’t nearly as clean for Iowa State. With a 30-point cushion, the Cyclones let their foot off the gas, and Oklahoma State took advantage.
Iowa State shot under 35 percent after the break and committed 12 turnovers, which led to 18 points for the Cowboys. Kanye Clary and Jaylen Curry each found their rhythm, scoring in double figures as Oklahoma State tried to claw its way back.
But the damage had already been done. Despite the Cyclones’ second-half struggles, Oklahoma State couldn’t fully close the gap. The Cowboys shot over 45 percent from the floor and nearly 50 percent from deep in the second half, but Iowa State’s first-half explosion gave them more than enough breathing room to weather the late push.
Pleta’s Quiet Rise
Freshman big man Dominykas Pleta continues to carve out a role in Iowa State’s rotation. While his box score numbers won’t jump out - and Saturday’s stat line was modest - his presence is starting to matter in key moments.
With Joshua Jefferson in foul trouble for much of the second half, Pleta saw extended minutes and made the most of them. He followed up a missed layup with an emphatic dunk on the next possession, showing the kind of physicality head coach T.J.
Otzelberger has been asking for. Earlier in the week, Pleta scored eight points in 12 minutes against UCF, and while he’s still ironing out the rough edges (he had two turnovers and missed a pair of free throws in that game), his growth is evident.
Otzelberger has praised Pleta’s hands, screening ability, and willingness to battle inside - all traits that don’t always show up in the box score but help teams win. It’s the kind of impact Iowa State has gotten from veterans like Nate Heise in the past, and Pleta is starting to bring that same edge.
Looking Ahead
The Cyclones now get a bit of a breather with several days of practice before returning to action Thursday night at Hilton Coliseum against Colorado. The Buffaloes entered the weekend at 12-7 overall and 2-4 in conference play, with sophomore forward Sebastian Rancik and freshman guard Isaiah Johnson leading the charge.
Johnson’s shooting - nearly 43 percent from three - and Rancik’s ability to get to the line (87 percent from the stripe) make Colorado a sneaky challenge. Add in rim protector Bangot Dak, and Iowa State will need to bring the same first-half intensity it showed in Stillwater.
But if Saturday’s performance is any indication, the Cyclones are rounding into form - and they’re doing it with both star power and emerging depth.