Categories: College University Athletics

Iowa State University Basketball Triumphs Over UCF

Iowa State basketball team celebrating their victory against UCF

News Summary

The Iowa State Cyclones showcased their basketball talent with a dominant 108-83 victory against UCF at Hilton Coliseum. After a disappointing previous game, the Cyclones bounced back, displaying excellent shooting and team effort. Key contributors included Joshua Jefferson with 30 points and Keshon Gilbert who added 21 points and eight assists. This significant win improves Iowa State’s record to 16-2 overall in the season, with strong community support behind them. The team is now preparing for an important road trip in Arizona, aiming to maintain their winning momentum.

Excitement in Ames: Iowa State Basketball Dominates UCF with a Brilliant 108-83 Win

Ames is buzzing after the Iowa State Cyclones put on a show at Hilton Coliseum, crushing the UCF Knights with a slammin’ score of 108-83. This exhilarating match turned out to be a spectacular bounce-back from the previous loss Iowa State faced against West Virginia, where things just didn’t go their way, especially behind the three-point line.

Turning it Around

After struggling to find their rhythm with an unfortunate 1-of-17 shooting from three-point territory and racking up 14 turnovers against West Virginia, the Cyclones were determined to turn things around. Coach T.J. Otzelberger highlighted the importance of consistent preparation and instilled belief in his players’ shooting capabilities. And oh boy, did that belief pay off!

Cyclones Soar to Success

The Cyclones displayed their shooting prowess during the game against UCF. They netted an impressive 40-of-71 (56.3%) from the field, including a solid 9-of-22 (40.9%) from beyond the arc. The energy in the arena was electric as the players hustled and executed some fantastic plays throughout the night.

Star Performers Shine

Leading the charge was none other than Joshua Jefferson, who had a night to remember, racking up a career-high of 30 points! Alongside him, Keshon Gilbert contributed 21 points, showcasing his flair with eight assists and three steals, while Curtis Jones added 19 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Off the bench, Demarion Watson made an impact too, scoring 11 points, along with five rebounds in just 11 minutes on the court.

First Half Dominance

The game did start off with a slight scare for the Cyclones as UCF took an early lead at 18-15. But, hold on to your hats, because Iowa State quickly turned the tables with a dramatic 24-7 surge. By the time the dust settled on the first half, the Cyclones enjoyed a comfortable 54-36 lead.

Creating Opportunities

One of the key aspects of Iowa State’s victory was their superb ball movement and aggressive style of play. The Cyclones put on a defensive masterclass, forcing a staggering 19 turnovers from UCF, which allowed them to score 25 points off those mistakes. With their relentless drive to the basket and sharp shooting, the Cyclones were a force to be reckoned with!

Against the Knights

Despite the loss, UCF’s Jordan Ivy-Curry stood out for his team, scoring 24 points and putting in a solid performance with 8-of-14 shooting, including a remarkable 6-of-9 from three-point range. But on this night, the Cyclones were simply too strong.

Looking Ahead

Following this dominant win, the Cyclones improved their record to 16-2 overall, with an impressive 6-1 standing in Big 12 Conference play. What’s next? Iowa State is gearing up for a tough two-game road trip in Arizona, where they will be facing both Arizona State and the University of Arizona. It will be crucial for the team to maintain their momentum and confidence on the road.

Injury Updates

As they prepare for the journey ahead, it’s worth noting that Tamin Lipsey is dealing with a thumb injury but refuses to sit out, showcasing his commitment to the team.

Women’s Basketball Team Prepares

While the men’s team enjoyed a triumphant evening, the women’s team has also been making headlines. Addy Brown and Arianna Jackson are ready to lead their squad as they aim to bounce back in their upcoming game against BYU after facing a setback in their last match.

Fans Rally Behind Their Team

The Cyclones’ impressive home performance has become a hallmark of coach Bill Fennelly’s tenure, with fans filling Hilton Coliseum to cheer on their beloved teams. The community spirit and enthusiasm in Ames are palpable, making every game a must-watch!

As the Cyclones continue their season, fans can look forward to more thrilling basketball action ahead. Let’s go, Cyclones!