Iowa State basketball made a huge statement on Wednesday night, as the No. 5 Cyclones defeated the No. 4 Marquette Golden Eagles 81-70 at a roaring Hilton Coliseum. The victory handed Marquette its first loss of the season and solidified Iowa State’s position as a legitimate national contender. The game was a showcase of Iowa State’s high-pressure defense and efficient offense from start to finish.
Cyclones Set the Pace with a Blistering First Half
From the very beginning, Iowa State played with an intensity that Marquette struggled to match. The Cyclones jumped out to an early lead thanks to sharp shooting from guards Curtis Jones and Milan Momcilovic. The energy inside Hilton Coliseum was electric as the home team built a comfortable advantage.
By halftime, Iowa State held a 46-37 lead. The team’s incredible offensive efficiency was on full display, as they shot 64% from the field. Keshon Gilbert led the charge, pouring in 18 points in the first half alone, leaving the Golden Eagles scrambling to find answers.
Marquette’s Comeback Attempt is Shut Down
The Golden Eagles showed their top-five talent in the second half, putting together a 10-0 run to tie the game at 61-61. For a moment, it seemed like the momentum was shifting in favor of the visiting team.
However, Iowa State refused to break. Curtis Jones hit a massive three-pointer to end Marquette’s run and ignite a 7-0 surge for the Cyclones. The game’s most defining stretch came in the final six minutes, when Iowa State’s defense held Marquette scoreless for over five minutes. This defensive lockdown fueled a final 10-0 run that put the game away for good.
Standout Players Who Stepped Up
While it was a complete team effort, several individual performances were critical to securing the upset victory. The Cyclones’ key players delivered in the biggest moments of the game.
Keshon Gilbert showed incredible toughness. After taking an elbow to the face that left his jersey bloodied, he returned to the game and finished with a team-high 25 points. His leadership was vital in calming the team during Marquette’s second-half push.
A few players made all the difference:
- Keshon Gilbert: He was the engine of the offense, showcasing resilience and skill with 25 points and four assists.
- Curtis Jones: His perimeter shooting was deadly, and he hit timely shots that consistently stopped any Marquette momentum.
- Team Defense: The Cyclones forced seven turnovers and, most importantly, converted them into 10 points while allowing zero points off their own mistakes.
A Look at the Decisive Statistics
The final score was a result of Iowa State’s dominance in several key areas. A quick look at the box score shows a clear picture of how the Cyclones controlled the game and earned the win.
The Cyclones’ ability to shoot efficiently and capitalize on turnovers proved to be the winning formula.
| Statistic | Iowa State | Marquette |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goal Percentage | 61% | 44% |
| Three-Point Percentage | 57% | 44% |
| Points Off Turnovers | 10 | 0 |
What this Win Means Moving Forward
This victory improves Iowa State’s record to 6-1 and serves as a powerful validation of their top-five ranking. Having navigated a difficult early-season schedule, the Cyclones have proven they can compete with and defeat the best teams in the country.
For Marquette, the loss exposes some areas for improvement as they head back into their schedule. Meanwhile, Iowa State will look to build on this momentum. The message sent from Ames, Iowa, is clear: the Cyclones are a team to watch in the race for a national championship.
