AMES, Iowa – Curtis Jones had another standout game, scoring 20 points off the bench as No. 5 Iowa State cruised past IU Indianapolis 87-52 on Monday night. With four players scoring in double digits, the Cyclones showed depth and efficiency on their way to a third straight victory.
Jones, delivering his second consecutive 20-point outing, highlighted Iowa State’s offensive dominance. Meanwhile, Tamin Lipsey contributed 17 points and five steals, proving instrumental on both ends of the court. Saint Mary’s transfer Joshua Jefferson made his presence felt with his first double-double, tallying 16 points and 10 rebounds. The win demonstrated the Cyclones’ balance, with Keshon Gilbert also adding 11 points and eight assists.
Curtis Jones Continues Bench Brilliance
Jones has emerged as a reliable offensive weapon for the Cyclones, particularly coming off the bench. Against IU Indianapolis, he sank four three-pointers, three of which came during a decisive 13-0 run in the first half. That stretch saw Iowa State surge to a 27-5 lead just eight minutes into the game, effectively putting the contest out of reach early.
“I’m just trying to stay aggressive and play my role,” Jones said postgame. “When the team is clicking like this, it’s easy to find good shots.”
This marks Jones’ fourth 20-point game during his tenure with the Cyclones, an indication of his increasing confidence and value to the team’s rotation.
Tamin Lipsey Anchors Iowa State’s Two-Way Effort
While Jones grabbed the spotlight offensively, Lipsey’s contributions went beyond scoring. His 17 points were bolstered by a relentless defensive performance, as he notched five steals and disrupted the Jaguars’ rhythm throughout the game.
“Tamin’s energy is contagious,” Iowa State head coach T.J. Otzelberger said. “He sets the tone for us defensively, and that fuels everything we do on offense.”
Lipsey’s defensive acumen is becoming a cornerstone of the Cyclones’ game plan, providing a consistent spark that keeps opponents on their heels.
Jefferson’s Perfect Night and Impact on the Glass
Joshua Jefferson, a transfer from Saint Mary’s, delivered an efficient performance, finishing 7-of-7 from the field and a flawless 2-of-2 from the free-throw line. His 10 rebounds underscored his versatility and ability to control the boards, which played a significant role in limiting IU Indianapolis’ second-chance opportunities.
Jefferson’s impact was felt most in his ability to seamlessly integrate into Iowa State’s system. With his double-double, Jefferson has cemented himself as a crucial piece of the Cyclones’ interior presence.
IU Indianapolis Struggles Against Top-Tier Competition
The Jaguars faced an uphill battle from the start, as Iowa State’s stifling defense and offensive firepower proved too much to handle. IU Indianapolis managed only five points in the game’s opening eight minutes, a testament to the Cyclones’ intensity on defense.
Paul Zilinskas was a lone bright spot for the Jaguars, scoring a team-high 16 points. However, the rest of the team struggled to find their footing, with Jarvis Walker the next-highest scorer with eight points.
IU Indianapolis fell to 0-17 all-time against ranked opponents, highlighting the disparity in talent and execution in this matchup. Earlier this season, they also suffered a 94-80 loss to Xavier, another power-conference opponent.
Key Stats and Standout Moments
The game was filled with moments that showcased Iowa State’s dominance. Among the highlights:
- Jones’ Three-Point Barrage: Jones’ three triples during the 13-0 run in the first half were emblematic of the Cyclones’ shooting precision.
- Jefferson’s Perfect Shooting: With a perfect shooting night, Jefferson provided an inside-out balance that made Iowa State’s offense nearly unstoppable.
- Defensive Tenacity: Iowa State forced 20 turnovers, many of which translated into fast-break opportunities and easy buckets.
Such performances emphasize Iowa State’s versatility, with contributions coming from both starters and the bench.
What’s Next for the Cyclones?
Iowa State’s 3-0 start is its best opening in recent years, and Monday’s win suggests they are firing on all cylinders. With four players scoring in double figures for the second time this season, the Cyclones have shown they are more than a one-dimensional team.
Looking ahead, Iowa State will aim to maintain its momentum against tougher competition. The early-season dominance has set the stage for what could be a special campaign, especially if role players like Jones and Jefferson continue their upward trajectory.
For IU Indianapolis, the challenge remains bridging the gap against higher-tier opponents. Their season continues with hopes of finding rhythm and confidence in their upcoming games.
Final Takeaway
Iowa State demonstrated why it’s one of the top-ranked teams in the nation with its commanding win over IU Indianapolis. Balanced scoring, defensive intensity, and bench contributions have become hallmarks of this Cyclones team. If Monday night was any indication, Iowa State’s depth and cohesion could make them a formidable contender as the season progresses.
