Cyclone Celebration: Iowa State Advances in Big 12 Tournament
As Cyclone fans flocked to Kansas City, Iowa State gave them plenty to cheer about with a commanding 75-53 victory over Texas Tech, securing a spot in the Big 12 Tournament semifinals for the second time in three years. The T-Mobile Center was buzzing as Iowa State overcame an early deficit to dominate the game.
Dynamic Duo: Jefferson and Lipsey Shine
Seniors Joshua Jefferson and Tamin Lipsey were pivotal, combining for 38 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists. Their leadership and skill were instrumental in turning the tide after an initial setback. Texas Tech, which had previously shot lights out from beyond the arc, struggled to find their rhythm, hitting only 31% from three-point range this time around.
Turning the Tide
The game started with Texas Tech on fire, jumping to a 15-4 lead with three quick threes. But Iowa State’s coach, T.J.
Otzelberger, called a timely timeout, allowing the Cyclones to regroup and tighten their perimeter defense. This adjustment led to Texas Tech missing 10 consecutive three-point attempts, enabling Iowa State to claw back into the game.
Lipsey's sharpshooting was key, as he nailed two crucial threes in the first half, giving Iowa State their first lead. A late surge, capped by a Jamarion Batemon three-pointer from Jefferson, sent the Cyclones into halftime with momentum on their side.
Jefferson's Dominance
In the second half, Joshua Jefferson took charge, scoring six of Iowa State's first 17 points. His relentless attacks in the paint sparked a 9-0 run, forcing Texas Tech to call a timeout as the Cyclones' lead ballooned to 14. Jefferson's ability to drive coast-to-coast highlighted his versatility and underscored why he's one of college basketball's standout performers.
Lipsey's Leadership
Tamin Lipsey's pride in wearing the Iowa State uniform is evident in his play. His four three-pointers in the game, a season-high, helped extend Iowa State's lead beyond 20 points. Despite a missed heat-check attempt, Lipsey's confidence never wavered, showcasing his growth as a reliable perimeter threat.
What’s Next for the Cyclones
With the win, Iowa State moves on to face the winner of the UCF-Arizona matchup in the semifinals. The Cyclones had previously dominated UCF, but the Knights are now looking tournament-ready after their victory over Cincinnati. Iowa State will need to maintain their momentum to keep their championship hopes alive.
Cyclone fans have every reason to be excited as their team continues to impress in the Big 12 Tournament.