Full Breakdown
Iowa State Cyclones Secure Senior Day Victory Over Arizona State
3/8/2026, 11:47:11 AM
Cyclones Rally in Second Half
On Senior Day, the No. 6 Iowa State Cyclones achieved a significant 86-65 victory against Arizona State at Hilton Coliseum, highlighted by a remarkable 24-0 run in the second half. The game served as a farewell for five seniors: forward Eric Mulder, guard Dominick Nelson, guard Nate Heise, forward Joshua Jefferson, and guard Tamin Lipsey. Head coach T.J. Otzelberger expressed pride in the seniors, stating, “I’m just so proud of those guys who they are as men and what they do every single day for our program.”
The first half saw Iowa State struggling, trailing 41-37 at halftime after Arizona State closed the half with a 10-0 run. However, the Cyclones regrouped during the break, with junior forward Blake Buchanan igniting the offense shortly after halftime. Iowa State quickly regained momentum, with junior forward Milan Momcilovic contributing significantly, including a pivotal three-pointer that initiated a scoring spree.
Dominance in the Second Half
The Cyclones' second-half performance was marked by a series of successful plays, including a 17-0 run that extended their lead to 13 points. Arizona State attempted to regain control with timeouts, but Iowa State's offensive surge continued, culminating in a commanding 24-0 run. Coach Bobby Hurley of Arizona State noted, “I think what happened with our shooting was the fact that we kept throwing the ball to them and they were laying the ball in.”
Key contributions came from multiple players, with Jefferson, Momcilovic, and Lipsey each scoring 16 points, while freshman Jamarion Batemon added 13 points. The game concluded with all five seniors on the court, receiving a warm farewell from the student section.
Official Statements & Responses
In a post-game press conference, Otzelberger praised the team's defensive effort in the second half, emphasizing the importance of generating turnovers and scoring off defense. He highlighted the leadership of seniors like Joshua Jefferson and Tamin Lipsey, noting their impact on the team's success. “It’s foolproof. For us, it’s win the turnover battle, score the points off the defense,” he stated.
Jefferson expressed gratitude for his time at Iowa State, calling his decision to stay for his senior year the best of his life. Lipsey echoed this sentiment, thanking fans and coaches for their support throughout his journey.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the Cyclones' victory, Arizona State's performance in the first half raised concerns about Iowa State's consistency. Coach Hurley acknowledged the challenges posed by Iowa State's defense, which ultimately shifted the game's momentum.
What's Next
Looking ahead, Iowa State prepares for the upcoming Big 12 Tournament, where they aim to build on their strong finish to the regular season. The Cyclones' ability to maintain their defensive intensity and capitalize on turnovers will be crucial as they seek to extend their postseason run.
