Full Breakdown
Iowa State Cyclones Achieve Historic 15-0 Start Behind Tamin Lipsey's Stellar Performance
1/8/2026, 9:34:36 PM
Historic Win and Key Player Highlights
On January 7, 2026, the Iowa State Cyclones secured a significant 70-60 victory over the Baylor Bears, marking the best start in the program's history at 15-0. This achievement is underscored by the standout performance of point guard Tamin Lipsey, who scored 20 of his game-high 24 points in the second half. Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger praised Lipsey, stating, "Obviously, you're talking about the guy who I'm taking over any point guard in America," highlighting his pivotal role in the team's success.
Lipsey's performance was particularly crucial as he faced foul trouble in the first half, limiting him to just 11 minutes of play. Despite this, he managed to turn the game around after halftime, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. "I felt comfortable under that ball," Lipsey remarked after a key play that restored a three-possession lead for Iowa State.
Team Dynamics and Contributions
In addition to Lipsey, senior forward Joshua Jefferson contributed significantly with 19 points and a career-high 17 rebounds, helping to keep the Cyclones competitive during the first half. Freshman guard Killyan Toure added 12 points, while Nate Heise provided crucial defensive plays and timely three-pointers. The Cyclones demonstrated strong teamwork, outscoring Baylor 20-6 in points off turnovers, despite committing 12 turnovers themselves.
Context of the Game
The matchup took place at the Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion in Waco, Texas, where Iowa State faced an early deficit, trailing by as many as eight points in the first half. However, a buzzer-beating three-pointer by Jefferson allowed the Cyclones to take a 25-24 lead into halftime. The victory not only extended Iowa State's winning streak but also marked the program's 1,500th win in history.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach T.J. Otzelberger expressed confidence in his team's ability to compete at a high level, stating, "If you ask me right now today, them and Michigan are the two best in college basketball." Baylor coach Scott Drew acknowledged the challenges faced by his team, particularly regarding the conditioning of center James Nnaji, who is still recovering from an injury.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the victory, the game was not without controversy. Baylor's decision to add Nnaji, a former NBA draft pick, to its roster midseason has faced criticism from various coaches, including Michigan State's Tom Izzo. NCAA president Charlie Baker has indicated that the organization will not clear players who have signed NBA or two-way contracts, reflecting ongoing debates about player eligibility.
What's Next
Looking ahead, Iowa State will aim to maintain its momentum as they prepare for a matchup against Oklahoma State, who currently holds a 13-2 record. Coach Otzelberger emphasized the need for focus and preparation as the team transitions quickly from one game to the next.
Verbatim Quotes
- "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 Guard
- "James is getting in shape... He’s doing a great job for where he’s at right now." — Scott Drew, Baylor Coach
- "We just came together as a team to get stops, create turnovers, and just stay together the whole time." — Tamin Lipsey, Iowa State Guard
