Iowa State Dominates Kansas State 95 to 61 as Cyclones Continue Big 12 Surge

MANHATTAN Kansas -- No. 8 Iowa State delivered one of its most complete performances of the season, rolling past Kansas State 95 to 61 on Sunday behind balanced scoring and relentless defense that set the tone early and never wavered.

Joshua Jefferson led the Cyclones with 19 points as Iowa State placed five players in double figures, improving to 20 and 2 overall and 7 and 2 in Big 12 action. Milan Momcilovic followed with 18 points, while Tamin Lipsey added 16, Killyan Toure scored 13, and Nate Heise finished with 11. The latest timeline reflects Iowa State winning its fourth straight game, reinforcing its position near the top of the conference standings.

The impact of the game was felt immediately in the first half. Iowa State used two extended scoring runs to open a commanding 29 point halftime lead, highlighted by a suffocating 25 to 4 stretch that spanned nearly five minutes. Kansas State was limited to a season low 21 points in the opening half, shooting just 31 percent from the field as Iowa State’s defensive pressure disrupted rhythm and spacing throughout the lineup.

Kansas State fell to 10 and 12 overall and 1 and 8 in conference play, absorbing its most lopsided loss under head coach Jerome Tang, who took over the program prior to the 2023 season. The deficit grew to as many as 39 points in the second half, underscoring the gap in execution and depth between the two teams on this night.

P J Haggerty paced the Wildcats with 23 points and nine rebounds, continuing a consistent season in which the Memphis transfer has scored in double figures in all 22 games. David Castillo added 11 points, connecting on four of 10 attempts from three point range, but Kansas State struggled to generate sustained offense against Iowa State’s rotations and closeouts.

From a broader league perspective, Iowa State’s defensive efficiency and scoring balance mirror trends seen in recent Big 12 contenders, where teams capable of controlling tempo and forcing low percentage shots separate themselves over the course of the season. What this means for the Cyclones is a strengthened résumé for postseason positioning, both within the conference race and in the national picture, as they continue to stack decisive wins.

Next steps come quickly for both programs. Iowa State returns home to host Baylor on Saturday in a matchup with significant conference implications.

Kansas State will look to regroup as it travels to face TCU on Saturday, seeking adjustments that can stabilize its season outlook heading into the latter half of Big 12 play.