In a gripping Big 12 Conference clash, the seventh-ranked Iowa State Cyclones emerged victorious over Baylor with a close 72-69 score. The game, held in Ames, Iowa, showcased intense competition, with Iowa State's Milan Momcilovic leading the charge with an impressive 21 points. This hard-fought win marked the Cyclones' fifth consecutive triumph, further solidifying their strong season performance and demonstrating their resilience against a determined Baylor squad.
The encounter between the Cyclones and the Bears was a display of strategic basketball, punctuated by key performances from both sides. Milan Momcilovic's scoring prowess was central to Iowa State's success, providing critical points throughout the game. He was ably assisted by Joshua Jefferson, who contributed 15 points, and Tamin Lipsey, who not only scored 14 points but also grabbed nine rebounds, showcasing his all-around impact on the court. These collective efforts were instrumental in Iowa State maintaining their edge.
For Baylor, Cameron Carr was a standout, scoring a game-high 24 points, including five successful three-pointers. Tounde Yessoufou also made significant contributions with 17 points and five steals, while Obi Agbim added 15 points. Despite their strong individual performances and a late surge that saw them cut Iowa State's lead, Baylor's two-game winning streak came to an end. The Bears exhibited strong shooting, hitting 45.6% from the field and 11 of 31 from beyond the arc.
The first half was a closely contested affair, with both teams exchanging leads. Baylor briefly took control with Caden Powell's putback and Yessoufou's deep three-pointer. However, Iowa State responded strongly, tying the game after Baylor's coach Scott Drew received a technical foul. The Cyclones then closed out the half with an 8-3 run, capped by Nate Heise's three, to take a 37-33 lead into the locker room. The second half saw Iowa State leveraging defensive pressure and key scoring runs to establish a more comfortable lead, which, despite Baylor's late rally, proved insurmountable.
The game ultimately highlighted Iowa State's ability to withstand pressure and execute under challenging circumstances. Their strategic use of second-half runs, coupled with Momcilovic's scoring and a tightening defense, allowed them to maintain control. While Baylor fought valiantly until the final seconds, Iowa State's composure in key moments, particularly their clean inbound play at the end, ensured their victory. This intense matchup underscored the competitive nature of Big 12 basketball and Iowa State's strong position within the conference.