Jan 25, 2025; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Kansas State Wildcats head coach Jerome Tang questions a call by the officials during the first half against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Bramlage Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-Imagn Images
After suffering a heartbreaking overtime defeat at Arizona on Big Monday, No. 3 Iowa State (17-3, 7-2 Big 12) is set to return home and defend one of the most formidable home-court advantages in college basketball. The Cyclones will look to extend the nation’s second-longest active home winning streak to 30 games when they host Kansas State (9-11, 3-6 Big 12) on Saturday at Hilton Coliseum (1:00 p.m., ESPN 2).
The Cyclones fell victim to an Arizona buzzer-beater that forced overtime, where Wildcats guard Caleb Love hit a near 3/4 court shot at the end of regulation to tie it. Arizona caught fire and pulled away in overtime. Despite the loss, Iowa State remains one of the premier teams in the country, boasting the Big 12’s highest-scoring offense at 84.2 points per game while ranking in the top 10 nationally in multiple metrics, including KenPom (No. 5) and the NET rankings (No. 7).
For Kansas State, this season has been a rollercoaster. After a 6-2 start, the Wildcats dropped nine of their next 10 games, but they have shown signs of resurgence. K-State enters Saturday’s contest riding a two-game winning streak, having secured back-to-back double-digit victories over No. 23 West Virginia and Oklahoma State. The Wildcats have found success with early scoring bursts, jumping out to a 19-2 lead against West Virginia and a 10-0 run against Oklahoma State.
The Cyclones’ supporting cast
One of the biggest storylines for Iowa State this season\ has been the emergence of Curtis Jones. Jones has been elevated into the starting lineup due to injuries and has flourished. The former Big 12 Player of the Week is averaging 20.6 points and 6.8 rebounds since taking on a starting role while shooting over 35 percent from three-point range. The senior guard is coming off perhaps one of his worst games in his Iowa State career. Jones scored eight points on 1-11 from the field and 0-8 from behind the 3-point arc. Look for Jones to bounce back in a big way against the Wildcats.
Keshon Gilbert has continued to prove himself as the heart and soul of the Cyclones, leading the team in minutes and assists. His impact has been recognized nationally, earning him two Big 12 Player of the Week honors and a spot on the Wooden Award Midseason Top 25 Watch List. The 6-foot-4 guard was awesome in Tucson on Monday night. He scored 17 points, collected six rebounds, and dished out three assists against the Arizona Wildcats. Gilbert’s leadership will be critical in ensuring Iowa State bounces back from its loss at Arizona.
Tamin Lipsey, a Preseason All-Big 12 First Team selection, remains the glue that holds the Cyclones together. Known for his defensive prowess, Lipsey leads the team in steals and is on the verge of becoming Iowa State’s all-time steals leader. Like Gilbert, Lipsey was also great in the loss to Arizona. He recorded one of his best games of the season scoring 18 points on 7-13 shooting from the field and 3-7 from behind the arc. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses will be vital against a Kansas State team that has found a rhythm in recent games.
Saint Mary’s transfer Joshua Jefferson has been a revelation for Iowa State this season. Leading the team in rebounding and boasting eight double-doubles, Jefferson has been recognized five times as the Big 12 Newcomer of the Week. His battle in the paint against Kansas State’s frontcourt, particularly Coleman Hawkins, will be a key factor in the game.
Kansas State transfers making an impact
Kansas State underwent a major roster overhaul in the offseason, welcoming 10 newcomers, including seven Division I transfers. David N’Guessan, one of the team’s few returners, is having a career year, averaging 12.3 points and 7.0 rebounds.
The Wildcats’ most notable addition over the off-season came in Coleman Hawkins, a 6-foot-10 forward who reportedly joined K-State on a $2 million NIL deal. Hawkins has been a versatile force, averaging 10.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. The matchup between him and Joshua Jefferson will be one to watch.
Brendan Hausen, a sharpshooter from Villanova, leads the Wildcats in three-point shooting at 41.3 percent. Hausen is not shy about taking any shot on the floor even if its 15 feet behind the three-point line. Iowa State will need to smother him on every catch he gets. Dug McDaniel has provided steady play at point guard and continues to get more acclimated to the Big 12’s style of play every game, while Max Jones has given Kansas State another perimeter threat with his 39.5 percent shooting from deep.
One of the biggest factors in Kansas State’s recent success has been its ability to dictate the tempo early. In each of their last two wins, the Wildcats jumped out to commanding first-half leads in the opening minutes of the game. Defensively, K-State has held its last three opponents under 40 percent shooting from the field, showing significant improvement on that end of the court.
For Iowa State, preventing the Wildcats from building early confidence will be crucial. The Cyclones thrive on their Hilton Coliseum advantage, where they have compiled a 56-8 record under coach T.J. Otzelberger.
A rivalry renewed
Saturday marks the 241st all-time meeting between Iowa State and Kansas State. The series is the second longest among Iowa State opponents, trailing only Kansas. Under Otzelberger, Iowa State holds a 5-3 record against Kansas State, including a victory at Hilton Coliseum last season that sparked controversy.
After last season’s game in Ames, a tense exchange between Otzelberger and Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang led to allegations that the Cyclones were spying on the Wildcats’ huddle. Tang later called Iowa State’s Tamin Lipsey the “No. 1 flopper” in the Big 12 after the Cyclones eliminated Kansas State from the Big 12 Conference Tournament in March. While both coaches have downplayed the past tensions, fans are sure to remember the added drama as the teams meet again.
With a packed Hilton Coliseum (dressed for a white-out) behind them and coming off a rare loss, expect the Cyclones to come out with energy and intensity. Kansas State has been playing better in the recent weeks, but Iowa State’s defensive pressure and home-court advantage should make the difference.
