In a thrilling match-up on senior night, the No. 10 Iowa State men’s basketball team faced off against the No. 23 BYU at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa on March 5, 2025. The game, which went into double overtime, ended with a surprising upset as BYU emerged victorious with a score of 88-85, leaving the Cyclones just short of completing a remarkable 21-point comeback.
As the evening unfolded, the spotlight was on the seniors being honored and the intense battle on the court where points were hard to come by. The head coach of Iowa State, T.J. Otzelberger, expressed his team’s missed opportunities and the challenges they faced during the game, emphasizing the need for better defensive strategies and avoiding early deficits.
The game began with a slow start as both teams struggled to find their rhythm, resulting in a scoreless opening four minutes. However, Iowa State senior guard Curtis Jones quickly changed that by breaking the deadlock with a mid-range shot. Jones, who finished the game with 16 points, reflected on his final appearance at Hilton Coliseum, acknowledging the emotional significance of the moment.
Despite a strong start by Iowa State, fueled by turnovers forced on BYU, the Cougars fought back and took the lead before halftime. The Cyclones’ aggressive defense led to numerous turnovers by BYU, but their smaller lineup left them vulnerable on the boards, allowing the Cougars to dominate in rebounding.
As the second half progressed, BYU continued to build on their lead, stretching it to 21 points at one stage. However, fueled by the energy of the home crowd, Iowa State mounted a remarkable comeback, highlighted by a series of scoring runs that brought them back into contention.
The game eventually went into overtime, where both teams traded blows, with BYU maintaining a slight edge throughout the extra periods. Junior guard Tamin Lipsey and forward Joshua Jefferson played crucial roles for the Cyclones in overtime, but ultimately, Iowa State’s efforts fell short as BYU emerged victorious in the final seconds of the game.
Despite the valiant efforts of the Cyclones, Coach Otzelberger acknowledged the team’s shortcomings and the need for a more resilient approach to secure success in future games. The night concluded with a mix of emotions for the seniors and the team, underscoring the unpredictable nature of college basketball and the enduring spirit of competition that defines the sport.
