Iowa State basketball has officially made its presence known in the college hoops landscape. T.J. Otzelberger’s No. 5 Cyclones secured a decisive 81-70 win over the previously unbeaten No. 4 Marquette Golden Eagles on Wednesday night at Hilton Coliseum. The victory not only cemented their top-five ranking but also sent a clear message to the nation: the Cyclones are contenders.
Iowa State Stays in Control from the Start
From the opening tip, the Cyclones set the tone. A couple of early three-pointers from Curtis Jones and Milan Momcilovic energized the Hilton crowd and gave Iowa State an 8-5 lead. By the midpoint of the first half, the Cyclones’ defensive pressure and efficient shooting stretched their advantage to double digits.
By halftime, Iowa State led 46-37, shooting a blistering 64% from the field and 57% from beyond the arc. Keshon Gilbert was dominant, dropping 18 first-half points, while Marquette struggled to find its rhythm, converting only 44% of their shots.
The Second Half: Cyclones Turn Up the Heat
As the second half unfolded, Iowa State refused to let Marquette back into the game. Despite moments of resistance from the Golden Eagles, including a 10-0 run that tied the game at 61 midway through the half, the Cyclones responded emphatically.
Curtis Jones nailed a clutch three-pointer to spark a 7-0 run, putting Iowa State back in the driver’s seat. Moments later, Gilbert—sporting a bandaged nose and a new jersey after a collision left his original No. 10 bloodied—returned to stabilize the team. Over the final six minutes, the Cyclones locked down on defense, holding Marquette scoreless for over five minutes and securing a 10-0 run of their own.
Key Moments and Players That Shaped the Game
A few standout moments highlighted Iowa State’s determination to dominate:
- Keshon Gilbert’s Resilience: Gilbert’s game was a masterclass in grit. Despite taking an elbow to the face and exiting briefly, he returned to finish with 25 points, four assists, and unmatched energy.
- Curtis Jones’ Shooting: Jones was deadly from the perimeter, hitting key shots that kept Marquette at bay.
- Relentless Defense: Iowa State forced seven turnovers, converting them into points, while Marquette failed to capitalize on any of the Cyclones’ giveaways.
Statistical Snapshot: How Iowa State Pulled It Off
The numbers told the story of Iowa State’s dominance. A table of key stats is included below:
| Statistic | Iowa State | Marquette |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goal Percentage | 61% | 44% |
| Three-Point Percentage | 57% | 44% |
| Turnovers Forced | 7 | 3 |
| Points Off Turnovers | 10 | 0 |
Iowa State’s ability to convert mistakes into points and maintain efficient shooting proved to be the difference-maker.
What This Win Means for the Cyclones
This victory boosts Iowa State’s record to 6-1, with their only loss coming against No. 2 Auburn in a tight contest. The Cyclones’ early-season gauntlet of tough opponents seems to be paying off.
Marquette, meanwhile, suffered its first loss of the season, showing vulnerabilities that Iowa State exploited with precision. For the Cyclones, this win validates their top-five ranking and establishes them as a force to be reckoned with in the national conversation.
A Look Ahead
Next up for Iowa State is another challenging matchup as they continue their march through one of the toughest schedules in the country. Meanwhile, Marquette will look to bounce back and regain momentum after a humbling night in Ames.
For now, though, the spotlight shines brightly on Hilton Coliseum, where the Cyclones proved that they belong among college basketball’s elite.
