In a showcase of defensive tenacity and resilience, the Iowa State men’s basketball team extended their remarkable home winning streak to 17 games with a gritty 58-45 triumph over Oklahoma. Despite a sluggish start on the offensive end, the Cyclones relied on their trademark rugged defense to stifle the Sooners and maintain their pursuit of a top-two seed in the NCAA Tournament.
The victory propels Iowa State 22-6, 11-4 Big 12 into the final stretch of the regular season, positioning them just one game behind second-ranked Houston in the Big 12 standings with three games remaining. Furthermore, the Cyclones find themselves on the cusp of potential NCAA Tournament success, with Selection Sunday looming and the possibility of securing a coveted No. 2 seed in Omaha.
For the Cyclones faithful, the win over Oklahoma marks yet another milestone in an impressive season, as Iowa State continues to assert its dominance at Hilton Coliseum. With BYU looming as the next opponent, the Cyclones have their sights set on completing an undefeated season at home, a feat achieved only four times in program history.
Despite a woeful shooting performance in the first half, where they converted just 20% of their field goal attempts, the Cyclones relied on their defensive prowess to maintain a five-point halftime lead. Oklahoma struggled to find their rhythm against Iowa State’s suffocating defense, shooting a paltry 28% from the field and failing to connect on a single three-pointer in the opening half.
In a testament to their defensive discipline and resilience, Iowa State embarked on a decisive 9-0 run to close out the first half, setting the tone for the remainder of the game. While offensive struggles persisted into the second half, the Cyclones’ defensive intensity never wavered, effectively shutting down Oklahoma’s scoring opportunities and forcing turnovers.
Standout performances from sophomore Demarion Watson, who posted a career-high 15 points on a perfect 7-of-7 shooting from the field, and Curtis Jones, who contributed 11 points, underscored Iowa State’s depth and versatility. Additionally, Keshon Gilbert’s facilitation prowess with seven assists highlighted the Cyclones’ unselfishness and cohesion on both ends of the floor.
As Iowa State sets their sights on the final week of the regular season and beyond, their resolute defense remains their greatest asset. With a blend of tenacity, discipline, and collective effort, the Cyclones are primed for postseason success as they continue their pursuit of Big 12 glory and NCAA Tournament accolades.