Iowa State’s dominant 96-80 victory over Mississippi State provides compelling evidence that the Cyclones are genuine contenders for the Big 12 basketball title this season. Following the departures of Keshon Gilbert and Curtis Jones, many speculated whether T.J. Otzelberger’s squad could maintain its identity and high level of play. This early-season performance against a strong SEC opponent answered those doubts definitively, showcasing both the team’s trademark high energy and a new level of explosive offensive capability. The win was fundamentally built on suffocating defensive pressure. Iowa State forced 26 Mississippi State turnovers, which they brilliantly converted into 29 easy points, proving that the defensive intensity is not only intact but may be even more lethal this year. This commitment to causing chaos is the foundation needed to survive the Big 12 gauntlet. Offensively, the Cyclones are deep and balanced. Returning stars Tamin Lipsey (25 points and 3 steals) and Milan Momcilovic (who has already flashed elite scoring potential) have taken on greater leadership roles. More critically, the newcomers immediately set a high mark. Freshman Killyan Toure and Virginia transfer Blake Buchanan, who contributed 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks, have seamlessly integrated. Buchanan’s all-around production alongside the established core shows that the Cyclones possess the necessary firepower and depth to compete atop the conference standings and ultimately challenge for the league crown. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! DoorDash With DoorDash Streaks, you save every Saturday you order — stack it up all season and you could save up to $250. Order this Saturday. Keep the streak alive. Fuel your gameday — only with DoorDash. Terms apply. Promo period through 11/18. SupplyHouse Join the free TradeMaster program today and score serious perks like priority shipping, lower prices, and a dedicated support line. Visit SupplyHouse.com to sign up for free and use promo code SHCOLLEGE5 for 5% off your first order. Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
