Jan 25, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard KJ Lewis (5) goes for a lay up while Colorado Buffaloes forward Sebastian Rancik (7) fails to block him during the second half at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images
After opening their Arizona road trip with a resounding 76-61 victory over Arizona State, the No. 5 Iowa State (17-2, 7-1) are set for a high-stakes clash against the Arizona Wildcats (13-6, 7-1 Big 12) in Tucson on Big Monday. Both teams are tied for second place in the Big 12, making this late-night ESPN showdown a pivotal spot in the conference race.
Cyclones’ Surge Continues
The Cyclones come into Monday’s matchup after a gutsy comeback against Arizona State. Trailing by seven early in the second half, Iowa State flipped the script with a dominating 43-21 run to close the game. Senior guard Curtis Jones was stellar again for the Cyclones, delivering a career-high 33-point, seven rebound, and three steal game, which included five points during a game-sealing 19-3 run in the final five minutes of regulation. Jones has thrived as a starter in recent games, averaging 23.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, and shooting over 44% from beyond the arc.
Milan Momcilovic, the Cyclones’ sharpshooting sophomore wing, is still sidelined with a hand injury since mid-January. His absence has forced Iowa State to adapt, with players like Jones stepping up and Joshua Jefferson anchoring the frontcourt. The Saint Mary’s transfer recorded his eighth double-double of the season against Arizona State, contributing 13 points, 10 rebounds, and four steals in 30 minutes.
Wildcats’ Momentum
Under head coach Tommy Lloyd, the Wildcats have won eight of its last nine games and is fresh off a 78-63 home victory over Colorado. The Wildcats leaned on sharpshooter Anthony Dell’Orso, who torched the Buffaloes for 20 points on 6-of-9 shooting from deep. Preseason All-Big 12 First Team honoree Caleb Love struggled offensively but contributed in other ways, adding six rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
The Cyclones’ top-ranked Big 12 offense (84.6 points per game) will be tested by an Arizona defense known for its athleticism and ability to force turnovers. Iowa State’s backcourt trio of Curtis Jones, Tamin Lipsey, and Keshon Gilbert will face off against Arizona’s Caleb Love and KJ Lewis in what promises to be a dynamic guard battle.
Lipsey, a preseason All-Big 12 First Team selection, has been the Cyclones’ defensive anchor, leading the team in steals while dishing out the second-most assists. Gilbert, meanwhile, has emerged as a leader in his senior campaign, earning Wooden Award Midseason Top 25 recognition earlier this month.
In the frontcourt, Jefferson’s rebounding and physical presence will be crucial against Arizona’s star forward Trey Townsend and a duo of seven footers in Motiejus Krivas and Henri Veesaar.
Challenges on the Road
While Iowa State has been nearly unbeatable at home under Otzelberger—boasting a 29-game winning streak at Hilton Coliseum—the road has presented its own challenges. The Cyclones struggled in their loss at West Virginia a couple weeks ago and were tested early against Arizona State before finding their rhythm. Fatigue could be a factor as the team plays its second game in three days.
With both teams tied for second in the Big 12, Monday’s game has significant implications for the conference standings. With Houston’s come from behind win against Kansas, a win for either Iowa State or Arizona could position them as the top challenger to the Cougars and keep them within striking distance. For the Cyclones, it’s also an opportunity to further solidify their case for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament—a feat the program has never achieved.
