Iowa State's Milan Momcilovic stole the show at Gallagher-Iba Arena, scoring 29 points and grabbing 7 rebounds to propel the Cyclones to an 84-71 victory over Oklahoma State. The win marked a strong performance by Iowa State, who had been predicted to win by 8.7 points by CHD Scout - a prediction that proved accurate as they surpassed the projected margin by 4.3 points.
The Cyclones dominated from the opening tip, taking a 51-21 lead into halftime. Oklahoma State's Jaylen Curry and Kanye Clary tried to mount a comeback, scoring 19 points each, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit. Curry's efforts were particularly notable in the second half, as he helped spark a 30-12 run that brought the Cowboys within 18 points. However, Iowa State's depth and balance ultimately proved too much for Oklahoma State to handle.
Momcilovic's performance was the highlight of the evening, as he consistently found ways to score and create opportunities for his teammates. He was supported by Joshua Jefferson, who added 20 points, and Tamin Lipsey, who chipped in 13 points and 5 assists. The Cyclones' offense was clicking on all cylinders, with multiple players contributing to the scoring effort.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
Oklahoma State, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm, particularly in the first half. The Cowboys' 21 points at halftime were a season low, and they were unable to recover from the early deficit. Despite the loss, the game was a Quadrant 1 opportunity for Oklahoma State, and the experience will undoubtedly serve as a valuable learning experience for the team.
The win improves Iowa State's record to 18-2, solidifying their position as one of the top teams in the country. With this victory, the Cyclones also bolster their tournament resume, adding another Quadrant 1 win to their portfolio. As the season progresses, Iowa State want to build on this momentum, with their sights set on a deep postseason run. The Cyclones' strong performance against a quality opponent like Oklahoma State will undoubtedly catch the attention of the selection committee, and they will be a team to watch in the coming weeks.