In a thrilling collegiate basketball showdown, the Iowa State Cyclones, ranked third nationally, demonstrated their dominance by overcoming the Oklahoma State Cowboys with a final score of 83-71. This victory further solidified the Cyclones' exceptional undefeated start to the season, pushing their record to an impressive 16-0 and marking their best performance in the institution's history. The team showcased remarkable resilience and skill throughout the contest, especially in the second half, where they maintained a steady lead. This win underscores Iowa State's strong position as a formidable contender in the Big 12 conference and across the national landscape.
Iowa State Cyclones Triumphs Over Oklahoma State Cowboys in Ames
On Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the James H. Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa, the Iowa State Cyclones, ranked No. 3, notched a significant Big 12 conference victory against the Oklahoma State Cowboys. The final score stood at 83-71 in favor of the Cyclones, extending their flawless season record to 16-0 (3-0 in conference play). This win marks a continuation of the program's most successful start ever, keeping them among the elite few undefeated teams nationwide.
Key offensive contributions for Iowa State came from Joshua Jefferson, who led the team with 19 points, demonstrating his prowess particularly from the free-throw line, where he converted 10 of 12 attempts. Milan Momcilovic was another crucial player, adding 18 points, including an efficient 6-of-10 from the field and 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. Their combined efforts were instrumental in securing the win.
The Oklahoma State Cowboys, now standing at 13-3 (1-2 in conference), were led by Parsa Fallah, who delivered a double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds, and Anthony Roy, who contributed 19 points. The Cowboys faced the challenge without their second-leading scorer, Vyctorius Miller, who was sidelined due to an ankle injury, and Christian Coleman, limited to just 11 minutes due to illness. Despite these setbacks, Oklahoma State showed early promise, holding a lead for much of the first half, even extending it to as many as nine points.
However, the Cyclones mounted a strong comeback. After trailing 36-34 with just over three minutes left in the first half, Iowa State ignited a pivotal run. Momcilovic's crucial 3-pointer and Killyan Toure's layup tied the game, followed by a Blake Buchanan free throw that gave Iowa State a narrow 27-26 lead with 6:43 remaining in the first half. The Cyclones concluded the first half with a 42-40 advantage, largely thanks to Dominick Nelson's three-point play and another Momcilovic 3-pointer. In the second half, Iowa State's defense intensified, forcing 15 turnovers from the Cowboys, which helped them maintain and extend their lead throughout to clinch the victory.
This impressive performance by Iowa State is a testament to their exceptional teamwork and strategic play. Their ability to overcome early deficits and consistently deliver under pressure highlights their potential for a deep postseason run. The victory not only solidifies their top-tier national ranking but also builds significant momentum as they navigate the rigorous Big 12 schedule. This season is shaping up to be one for the history books for the Cyclones, offering an inspiring narrative of athletic excellence and unwavering determination.