In a thrilling NCAA Tournament opener, the Iowa State Cyclones put on an impressive display of dominance against Lipscomb, securing an 82-55 victory at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. Led by standout performance from Milan Momcilovic, who tallied 20 points, the Cyclones showcased their prowess on both ends of the court, executing a flawless 18-3 run in the first half that set the tone for the rest of the game.
A Stellar First Half Performance
As the game tipped off, Lipscomb managed to keep pace with the Cyclones, briefly taking a 16-15 lead with just over 11 minutes remaining in the opening half. However, it was Momcilovic who ignited a fiery 14-0 run for Iowa State, single-handedly scoring 12 of those points to catapult his team to a commanding 29-16 lead. With his remarkable shooting, the sophomore guard propelled Iowa State to a comfortable 40-24 advantage at halftime, shooting an impressive 60 percent from the field and dominating the paint with a 26-6 edge in points.
Momcilovic’s stellar first-half performance not only energized the Cyclones but also set the stage for a resounding victory. His 17-point outburst in the opening half paved the way for a relentless offensive onslaught that left Lipscomb struggling to keep up. The Cyclones continued their onslaught in the second half, starting with a 15-6 run that effectively sealed the fate of the game, leaving Lipscomb unable to mount a comeback.
Stellar Performances and Historic Milestones
In addition to Momcilovic’s standout performance, Curtis Jones, Tamin Lipsey, and Joshua Jefferson also made significant contributions to Iowa State’s victory. Jones finished with 17 points, surpassing the 1,500-point mark in his career, while Lipsey and Jefferson added 10 points each to the scoreboard. Jefferson, in particular, showcased his defensive prowess by recording three steals, bringing his season total to an impressive 72 steals and solidifying his place in ISU’s record books.
With the win against Lipscomb, head coach T.J. Otzelberger notched his fifth NCAA Tournament victory at Iowa State, setting a new school record. The Cyclones improved their all-time record in the first round of the tournament to 16-8 and secured their 25th win of the season, marking a significant milestone in the program’s history. Iowa State’s success in the tournament was further highlighted by their consistent performance in opening games, winning 13 of the last 17 tournaments.
As the Cyclones look ahead to their next challenge against Ole Miss, anticipation is high for another thrilling matchup. With the team firing on all cylinders and key players like Momcilovic, Jones, and Jefferson in top form, Iowa State is poised to continue their impressive run in the NCAA Tournament. Stay tuned for more updates on game time and television network details as the Cyclones prepare to face off against Ole Miss in a clash of titans.
This comprehensive victory not only showcased the Cyclones’ skill and determination but also highlighted the depth of talent and resilience that defines this dynamic team. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Iowa State as they strive to make their mark on college basketball’s biggest stage.
