Iowa State Cyclones Stage Impressive Comeback Against Iowa Hawkeyes
In a thrilling showdown at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, the No. 3 Iowa State Cyclones emerged victorious over their rivals, the Iowa Hawkeyes, with a score of 89-80. This match showcased Iowa State’s resilience as they overcame a 13-point deficit in the final minutes of the game. With this win, the Cyclones improved their season record to 8-1, just as they prepare to dive into conference play.
Curtis Jones, who came off the bench, shone brightly during the game, scoring a game-high 23 points and sinking five of his eight attempts from beyond the arc. His confident play helped spur the Cyclones to victory, and he expressed a strong belief in his team’s abilities. “I feel like we are one of the best teams in the country,” Jones stated. “We’ve got the talent, coaching, and the camaraderie. I believe we can go far this season.”
The Hawkeyes started strong, taking advantage of their home court and quickly building a lead. They demonstrated outstanding shooting skills, hitting seven three-pointers in the first half, leaving Iowa State trying to catch up. The game started to tilt in Iowa’s favor as they pulled ahead by 13 points just before halftime. Despite the pressure, the Cyclones remained determined and rallied back in the second half.
Unlike their earlier loss to Auburn at the Maui Invitational, Iowa State maintained its composure during crucial moments of the game. With just six minutes left on the clock, the Cyclones capitalized on a shooting slump from Iowa, who managed only two field goals for the remainder of the game. This allowed Iowa State to seize the opportunity, eventually taking their first lead at the three-minute mark and running with it to secure a nine-point win.
Besides Jones’ standout performance, key contributions came from Joshua Jefferson, who added 19 points and 10 rebounds, and Dishon Jackson, who scored 12. Iowa coach Fran McCaffery acknowledged the skill and depth of the Cyclones, praising their performance. “They’ve got a lot of weapons on that team,” he noted. “They’re going to win a lot of games with the way they play.”
As the Cyclones move forward, they prepare to take on their Big 12 opponents with a sense of confidence. Head coach T.J. Otzelberger faces the challenge of leading his team through one of the toughest conferences in college basketball. History shows that any team can struggle in the Big 12, as Kansas did last season. However, Iowa State stands in a strong position, holding their best ranking in the program’s history and the potential to clinch their first regular-season conference title since 2001.
With only one loss on the season—a narrow defeat to Auburn—Iowa State’s ability to remain competitive against high-ranked teams like Marquette, whom they defeated recently, speaks volumes about their cohesion and depth. All five starters are averaging double figures in scoring, showcasing the team’s balance rather than relying on a single superstar. Currently, Keshon Gilbert leads the team with an impressive 17.4 points per game.
The team’s success can be attributed to their collective effort and experience, as nine players return from last season. This familiarity has created an atmosphere where any player can step up and deliver when needed. “We have a lot of options,” Jones explained. “If a defense is weak, we’ll find out and exploit it.”
Looking ahead, Iowa State anticipates more challenging games as they navigate through the season. Having not succumbed to pressure in previous tough situations, their ability to handle difficulties gives them a sense of belief in their capabilities. "We’ve weathered the storm," Jones said. "Now it’s about repeating that success."
The Cyclones are on the verge of what could be a remarkable season if they continue to build on their strengths and maintain their confidence. With only a couple of nonconference matchups left before diving into the Big 12 schedule, their journey is just beginning, and the excitement surrounding the team is palpable. As they approach the rest of the season, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see just how far this determined group can go.
