Iowa State Holds Off Baylor in Thrilling 72-69 Victory

Iowa State secured a hard-fought 72-69 win over Baylor at Hilton Coliseum, with Milan Momcilovic leading the charge. The Cyclones' top performer scored 21 points, including several crucial baskets in the second half, to help his team maintain their lead. Cameron Carr of Baylor put up a valiant effort, scoring 24 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Cyclones' balanced attack.

At halftime, Iowa State held a slim 37-33 lead, thanks in large part to Momcilovic's 12 first-half points. The Cyclones' offense was clicking, with Joshua Jefferson and Tamin Lipsey also making significant contributions. Baylor, on the other hand, relied heavily on Carr, who scored 15 points in the first half to keep the Bears within striking distance.

In the second half, the game remained tightly contested, with both teams trading baskets and playing tenacious defense. Iowa State's lead never grew beyond 7 points, and Baylor consistently found ways to stay within a possession or two. However, Momcilovic's clutch shooting and the Cyclones' stout defense ultimately was the difference.

CHD Scout had predicted a decisive Iowa State victory, with a projected score of 91-64. While the actual margin of victory was much closer, the prediction of an Iowa State win was correct. The Cyclones' ability to grind out a win against a tough opponent will undoubtedly be a valuable experience as they navigate the remainder of their conference schedule.

This win marks a significant Quadrant 2 victory for Iowa State, who improve to 21-2 on the season. For Baylor, the loss is a Quadrant 1 defeat, which could impact their tournament chances. The Bears, now 13-10, must regroup and refocus as they pursue a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

The Cyclones' performance was a reflection of their depth and resilience. With Momcilovic, Jefferson, and Lipsey all contributing double-digit scoring efforts, Iowa State was able to overcome Baylor's strong showing. As the season enters its final stretch, the Cyclones want to build on this win and solidify their position as one of the top teams in the country.