Iowa State Cyclones Struggle as Key Player Remains Injured
The Iowa State Cyclones began the season with a dream start, boasting a 15-1 record and a No. 2 ranking in college basketball. This impressive run was fueled by one of the highest-scoring teams under coach T.J. Otzelberger in four years. However, their success took a sharp turn with three consecutive losses and four out of six defeats recently. The Cyclones are now in a slump as they prepare for their game against TCU.
In their last game, the Cyclones shot a disappointing 36.5% against Kansas State, missing key shots in a decisive 80-61 loss. An even more challenging game against Kansas followed, where the Cyclones performed even worse, shooting a dismal 30.6% from the field. Adding to the woes, Iowa State managed only 11 out of 20 attempts from the free-throw line.
The Importance of Milan Momcilovic
Iowa State’s recent struggles emphasize the significance of star sophomore forward Milan Momcilovic, who has been sidelined for nearly a month due to a hand injury. Momcilovic is considered the team’s top offensive player, according to evanmiya.com. Standing 6-8, he proves a tough matchup for defenders due to his shooting prowess. Momcilovic shoots 44.3% from beyond the arc and was hitting 50% of his two-pointers before getting hurt.
The Cyclones need Momcilovic’s return and are hoping that the post-injury player will be as effective as he was before the injury.
Top-10 Team Performances
Below is a summary of the performances of the top-ranked teams that played weekday games. For a full grading rundown of these teams, visit the relevant sources.
Top-10 teams that didn’t play midweek games: No. 3 Alabama, No. 10 Texas A&M
Result: 98-70 win vs. Oklahoma
Auburn is showing their dominance in the toughest conference by maintaining control throughout their game against Oklahoma. The Tigers led by double digits in the second half and surged ahead with a commanding 30 points in the final 10 minutes. Strong defense played a major role, with Dylan Cardwell rejecting six shots, keeping Auburn at No. 1 nationally in blocks per game at 7. Grade: A
Result: 83-54 win at Syracuse
Duke’s undefeated 16-game winning streak now includes 13 double-digit victories, after they thoroughly dismantled Syracuse on the road. The Blue Devils shot an impressive 56.6% from the field, their highest percentage of the season. Five players tallied double figures, and even when Cooper Flagg attempted only seven shots, Duke posted a 29-point victory. Grade: A
Result: 85-81 win vs. Missouri
In a game where Missouri found some weaknesses in Tennessee’s defense, the Volunteers showcased a potent offense. Tennessee shot 50% from the floor, their most-efficient performance of the SEC season. They also hit 10 of their 15 attempts from beyond the arc. Point guard Zakai Zeigler, recovering from a knee injury, contributed 21 points on just nine shots. Grade: A-
Result: 72-63 win vs. Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State shot 51% against Houston’s tough defense, a rarity for any team other than No. 1 Auburn. However, Houston’s offensive rebounding stood out, scoring 16 second-chance points as J’Wan Roberts registered a double-double. Grade: B+
Result: 86-75 win vs. Vanderbilt
Florida had a tough battle with Vanderbilt but dominated in the second half. Will Richard led Florida with 16 out of his game-high 21 points after halftime, with the Gators shooting a scorching 64.3%. This performance took the sting out of their recent loss to Tennessee. Backup guard Walter Clayton Jr. missed the game due to an ankle injury. Grade: A-
Result: 90-81 win at Iowa
Purdue’s Braden Smith showcased his potential as a candidate for Big Ten Player of the Year with a game-high 31 points on 11 of 15 shooting. Trey Kaufman-Renn, who has seen his role increased, contributed 25. Over the last five games, Kaufman-Renn averages 22.4 points. Grade: A-
No. 8 Iowa State
Result: 69-52 loss at Kansas
Another loss for Iowa State highlighted their offensive struggles with a miserable 30.6% shooting performance, including a paltry 3 of 21 from beyond the arc. Four out of five losses in eight games since Milan Momcilovic’s injury are testament to their team’s reliance on his contributions. Grade: F
No. 9 Michigan State
Result: 63-61 loss at UCLA
Moving to the Pac-12, Michigan State faced UCLA after previously losing to USC, both tough encounters for the Spartans. The team lost the turnover battle 16-3 and failed to score in the final 2:05 of their game against UCLA, putting an end to their 13-game winning streak. Grade: C
Result: 70-64 loss at St. John’s
Marquette’s second half came up short against the strong St. John’s defense, misfiring on their last seven shots. While leader Kam Jones contributed with 15 points, supporting players Chase Ross and Stevie Mitchell struggled, combining to hit just 1 of 11 shots after halftime. Grade: C
No. 12 St. John’s
Result: 70-64 win vs. Marquette
St. John’s extended their Big East-standing advantage with a win over Marquette, making their winning streak ninth in the nation. Kadary Richmond, who recently transferred to the Red Storm, had an incredible game with a near triple-double of 18 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds. Grade: A
