Iowa State Cyclones Achieve Historic 15-0 Start with Tamin Lipsey's Stellar Performance

On January 7, 2026, the Iowa State Cyclones secured a historic 70-60 victory over the Baylor Bears, marking the best start in the program's history at 15-0. This achievement surpasses the previous record of 14-0 set by the 2013-14 team, which advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. The Cyclones, under the leadership of head coach T.J. Otzelberger, demonstrated resilience and skill, particularly in the second half of the game.

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Point guard Tamin Lipsey played a pivotal role in the victory, scoring 20 of his game-high 24 points in the second half. Despite facing early foul trouble that limited his playtime, Lipsey's performance was crucial in turning the game around. Coach Otzelberger praised Lipsey, stating, "I'd take him over any point guard in America," highlighting his importance to the team's success. Lipsey's contributions were not only significant in this game but also throughout the season, as he has been named to the Wooden Award Midseason Top 25 Watch List, recognizing him as one of the top players in college basketball.

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The first half of the game was challenging for both teams, with Iowa State trailing by as many as eight points. However, a late surge led by Joshua Jefferson, who recorded a double-double with 19 points and 17 rebounds, allowed the Cyclones to take a narrow 25-24 lead into halftime. The second half saw Iowa State open with a 10-0 run, showcasing their ability to adapt and capitalize on opportunities. The Cyclones outshot Baylor significantly in the second half, improving their shooting percentage from 27.8% in the first half to 57.1% after the break.

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Despite Iowa State's success, the game was not without controversy. Baylor's addition of center James Nnaji, a former NBA draft pick, has drawn criticism from other coaches, including Michigan State's Tom Izzo, and raised concerns regarding NCAA regulations. Nnaji's performance was limited as he continues to recover from an injury, finishing with only two points and five rebounds.

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Coach T.J. Otzelberger expressed pride in his team's accomplishment, stating, "It’s a credit to the young men and how they work." Baylor coach Scott Drew acknowledged Iowa State's prowess, asserting, "If you ask me right now, them and Michigan are the two best in college basketball."

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Following this historic victory, Iowa State will face the Oklahoma State Cowboys on January 10, 2026, at Hilton Coliseum. The Cyclones aim to continue their undefeated streak and further solidify their position as a top contender in college basketball.

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• "I've been a Cyclone all my life... I have a chance right now to make a footprint for Iowa State." — Tamin Lipsey, Iowa State Point Guard

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• "Iowa State is a really good team... They know exactly where they’re going to be, how they’re going to do things." — Scott Drew, Baylor Coach

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• "A huge shot Joshua made just before the half... a huge momentum play that carried into that second half." — T.J. Otzelberger, Iowa State Coach

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