CHICAGO — That one stung.
Minus All-American big man Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State was out-rebounded a remarkable 43-22 and fell 76-62 to Tennessee in Friday night’s Sweet 16 at the United Center.
And what’s most jarring? After jumping out to a modest early lead, the Cyclones never truly threatened again. No signature run. No real push. Not like we are used to with this particular squad.
A big reason why: Tennessee completely took Milan Momcilovic out of rhythm. The Vols were physical, relentless, and never gave Iowa State’s best shooter room to breathe. Momcilovic finished 2-of-9 from the field, with eight of those attempts coming from three. Getting clean looks felt nearly impossible.
Then there’s the simple math.
You simply don’t survive a 43-22 rebounding deficit this deep in the tournament. You definitely don’t when you shoot 60 percent from the free throw line.
This was a season-long issue that ultimately caught up with the Cyclones, who went 15-of-25 at the stripe. And here’s the most frustrating part: even with that massive rebounding gap, Iowa State is right there if it shoots even average from the line and just a little better from deep (5-of-23).
That’s what makes this one linger.
Feel cursed as an Iowa State fan?
I get it.
Two of the best teams in program history over the last 20 years lose All-Americans to freak foot injuries in the Round of 64… only to see the season end in the Sweet 16. Brutal.
At the same time, perspective matters.
T.J. Otzelberger has taken Iowa State to three Sweet 16s in five years. That’s real, sustained success. It’s also fair for fans to want more – to push through that ceiling and eventually into a Final Four.
Both things can be true.
A few final thoughts.
First, Tamin Lipsey, whose emotion was spewing out of him after the game. One thing I’ve learned over two decades doing this: even in the disappointment, you have to recognize greatness. Lipsey is, in so many ways, an all-time Cyclone.
Nate Heise deserves his moment, too. He played the best basketball of his career when it mattered most, notably when his team needed it most.
And then there’s Joshua Jefferson.
As tough as this ending feels for fans, it’s impossible to truly grasp what he has been going through. Watching him on the bench Friday night, you couldn’t help but feel it. That’s a brutal way for a season – and a career – to end.
