In a shocking turn of events at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa on February 1, 2025, the No. 3 Iowa State Cyclones suffered a devastating 80-61 loss to Kansas State, abruptly ending their 29-game home winning streak. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions for both teams, with Iowa State initially showing dominance before succumbing to errors and a relentless Kansas State team.
High Expectations Meet Disappointment
Leading up to the game, all signs pointed to a certain victory for Iowa State. With an impressive 29-game home winning streak, the Cyclones were considered a formidable force, having not tasted defeat in Hilton Coliseum since February 2023. On the other hand, Kansas State entered the matchup with struggles of its own, carrying a 15-game road losing streak and a lackluster season start of 9-11 overall and 3-6 in Big 12 play.
The game began as expected, with Iowa State taking an early lead of 13-4, showcasing their prowess in shooting and defense. However, a pivotal moment came after a timeout by Kansas State, where the Wildcats swiftly turned the tables with a 13-3 run, seizing the lead and setting the stage for a fiercely contested first half.
From Promise to Peril
While Iowa State showed proficiency in shooting during the first half, boasting percentages of 52.6% from the field, 66.7% from beyond the arc, and 90% from the free-throw line, their Achilles’ heel surfaced in turnovers and rebounding. With 11 turnovers and a lackluster performance on the offensive glass, the Cyclones found themselves trailing by two points at halftime, despite their shooting accuracy.
The second half of the game mirrored the first, with Iowa State continuing to struggle with turnovers, accumulating a total of 18 by the game’s end. Coach T.J. Otzelberger highlighted the team’s tendency to force plays and make unnecessary risks, leading to turnovers and missed opportunities. Junior guard Tamin Lipsey echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for simplicity in decision-making on the court.
In addition to turnovers, Iowa State’s woes extended to rebounding, as they conceded 14 offensive rebounds and were outscored 21-6 on second-chance opportunities. Coach Otzelberger emphasized the lack of effort and energy displayed by the team, citing the disparity in second-chance points as a reflection of their subpar performance.
Struggles Amplified
As the game progressed, Iowa State’s shooting efficiency plummeted in the second half, culminating in a mere 27.3% field goal percentage, 22.2% from 3-point range, and 66.7% from the free-throw line. The combination of poor shooting, rebounding deficiencies, and turnover issues proved detrimental to the Cyclones’ performance, allowing Kansas State to dominate the second half and secure a decisive 19-point victory.
Coach Otzelberger expressed his disappointment with the team’s effort, labeling the performance as unacceptable and calling for a swift turnaround as Iowa State prepares to face the No. 11 Kansas Jayhawks. Despite the setback, players like Lipsey and senior guard Curtis Jones remain optimistic about the team’s ability to learn from the defeat and improve moving forward.
As the Cyclones grapple with their first consecutive losses of the season, the road ahead presents a challenge that will test their resilience and determination. With valuable lessons learned from the defeat, Iowa State aims to bounce back stronger and avoid a third-straight loss as they gear up to face the Kansas Jayhawks in a pivotal matchup.
