The Iowa State Cyclones came out with a vengeance on Saturday night, determined to redeem themselves after a tough loss in their previous matchup against the University of Arizona. Dominating the game with a stellar 3-point shooting performance of 52.4%, the Cyclones secured an impressive 84-67 victory over the Wildcats at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa.
Coach T.J. Otzelberger commended his team’s defensive prowess, holding Arizona to 33.3% shooting from the field and a mere 18.2% from beyond the arc. The Cyclones’ aggressive defense from the get-go set the tone for the game, denying the Wildcats easy shot opportunities throughout the match.
On the offensive end, Iowa State showcased their scoring prowess, maintaining a 50% shooting accuracy from the field while excelling from long range. The team’s 3-point shooting was nothing short of spectacular, with an impressive 52.4% conversion rate. The Cyclones made a statement early on, sinking seven of their first nine 3-point attempts and finishing the first half with a remarkable 9-of-13 from downtown.
Sophomore forward Milan Momcilovic led the charge in 3-point shooting, knocking down 4-of-6 attempts from beyond the arc and tallying a team-high 17 points. His sharpshooting performance was complemented by junior guard Tamin Lipsey, who contributed 15 points and dished out a team-leading eight assists.
Off the bench, senior guard Nate Heise continued his impressive scoring streak, notching 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting. Senior forward Brandton Chatfield also made a significant impact, recording a season-high 10 points and grabbing eight rebounds with his tenacity and physical presence on the court.
Despite limited production from their top scorers, the Cyclones demonstrated great team chemistry and shared responsibility on the offensive end. Senior guard Curtis Jones, who struggled in the first half, bounced back in the second half to finish with 12 points. Junior forward Joshua Jefferson and senior guard Keshon Gilbert, while quieter on the scoreboard, played crucial roles in facilitating ball movement and maintaining offensive flow.
The collective effort and unselfish play exhibited by the Cyclones highlighted their potential for success, even when facing challenges with individual performances. As Lipsey aptly put it, “When you get the ball moving, everyone feels good about themselves, everyone feels in the flow of the offense.”
Looking ahead, Iowa State’s ability to maintain this level of play and adapt to varying circumstances bodes well for their future success on the court. With a deep roster of contributors stepping up when needed, the Cyclones have the makings of a formidable team capable of making a significant impact in the remainder of the season and beyond.
