In a thrilling night for Iowa State basketball, Tamin Lipsey delivered a pinpoint pass to Milan Momcilovic, who launched a shot that will echo in Cyclone history. With that 3-pointer, Momcilovic etched his name in the record books, surpassing the single-season record with his 103rd successful long-range shot.
Reflecting on his achievement, Momcilovic shared, "It’s really cool to break a record. Being here for three years, I've seen growth each season, and this year, I took that leap."
Momcilovic's milestone eclipses the previous record held by Dedric Willoughby from the 1996-97 season. And with three Big 12 games remaining, plus the postseason, there's room to extend this record even further.
Just moments after setting the new benchmark, Momcilovic drained another 3-pointer, helping push the Cyclones to a commanding lead in their 75-59 triumph over Utah in Salt Lake City. Coach T.J. Otzelberger praised the team's defensive tenacity, emphasizing their intention to dictate the game.
While Momcilovic's record-breaking performance was the highlight, he wasn't alone in shining. Senior Joshua Jefferson showcased his All-American potential with 21 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Tamin Lipsey contributed with seven points, four rebounds, and five assists.
Freshman Jamarion Batemon electrified the first half, forcing turnovers that translated into easy points for the Cyclones. His energy and defensive prowess were instrumental in building a 10-point halftime lead.
Coach Otzelberger lauded Batemon's aggression on both ends of the court, noting his impact on the game. "He gives us a spark with his energy and confidence. We’re going to keep giving him more opportunities."
While Batemon and Jefferson played pivotal roles, the night belonged to Momcilovic. His shooting prowess isn’t just making waves at Iowa State; it's resonating across college basketball. With a remarkable 51% success rate from beyond the arc on 205 attempts, Momcilovic stands second nationally in made 3-pointers, trailing only Samford's Jadin Booth.
Momcilovic's journey this season is about more than just breaking records-it's about setting a new standard. As he continues to tally up those 3-pointers, he hopes to leave a lasting legacy. "Hopefully, I break it by a lot," he mused, hinting at more to come.