WACO, TEXAS – For the first time in program history, Iowa State (15-0, 2-0 Big 12) has won 15 straight games, as it powered past Baylor (10-4, 0-2 Big 12) to secure the best start in program history, winning 70-60.
The Cyclones won in Waco for just the fourth time Wednesday evening, as Tamin Lipsey led Iowa State past the Bears with a 20-point second-half performance. Of Iowa State’s four all-time wins in Waco, two have come under Coach Otzelberger.
The two teams had a forgettable first half, combining to go 16-68. The Bears were held to just six made field goals in the stanza as ISU took a one-point, 25-24 lead into the break. The Cyclones opened the second period on a 10-0 run to pull away and would hold on for their second road win of the season.
Cameron Carr led the Bears with 17 points, while Caden Powell had a double-double of his own with 11 points and 11 boards – a team high. Talented freshman Tounde Yessoufou rounded out the double-figure scorers for the Bears as he had 10.
Iowa State outshot Baylor both from the field (41-31%) and from downtown (32-19%) on the night. Both sides struggled from the foul line, shooting roughly 60% from the charity stripe. ISU forced 14 Baylor turnovers, scoring 20 points off of them and won the points in the paint battle, 36-28. The Bears would own the edge on the offensive glass and second-chance points, keeping themselves in the game because of it.
How it Happened
The two teams combined to start 0-6 from the field, with the first points coming off three Baylor free throws. Play would continue to be choppy as each team exchanged misses, free throws and possessions.
Baylor would hold control for the majority of the first half, as ISU could only tie it a pair of times by the nine-minute mark. From there, the Bears built their largest lead of the game, eight points, as it pushed out to a 21-13 lead with just over six minutes to play.
The Cyclones would end the half on a 12-3 run as Jefferson canned a triple with five seconds left to give ISU a one-point lead, 25-24, going into the break. By the break, Jefferson had already recorded his double-double (12 points, 11 boards).
ISU would then open the second stanza on a 10-0 run. A combined 26-4 run across the end of the first and the start of the second was all ISU needed to wrestle away control from the Bears.
ISU didn’t have all smooth sailing, though, in the second half, as the team battled some major foul trouble. Four Cyclones would finish the game with four fouls (Jefferson, Momcilovic, Dominykas Pleta & Blake Buchanan). The constant throughout was Lipsey, who steadied the turbulent lineups and delivered possession after possession.
ISU would hold an advantage as large as 14 points in the second stanza as it was able to hold the Bears at arm’s length and leave Waco with a victory.
Key Performer
After missing much of the first half due to two fouls in the first three minutes, Tamin Lipsey willed the team to victory in the second half. He would go 6-8 from the floor in the second half, 2-3 from beyond the arc and nab both an assist and a steal.
Notes
Iowa State’s 15-0 start is the best start in program history and the longest winning streak in program history.
The Cyclones won their 1,500th game in program history.
T.J. Otzelberger became the fifth coach in program history, and first since Johnny Orr, to record 20 road victories.
The Cyclones earned their 50th win against a Big 12 opponent under Otzelberger, the second-most in the league since 2021-22.
ISU’s 44 Big 12 wins under Otzelberger are the third-most Big 12 wins since 2021-22.
Iowa State’s 16 Big 12 road wins under Otzelberger are the fourth-most in the league since 2021-22.
Milan Momcilovic appeared in the 80th game of his career.
Joshua Jefferson won his 60th game as a starter and appeared in his 50th game as a Cyclone.
Jefferson also eclipsed 700 points at Iowa State.
Tamin Lipsey earned his 84th win at ISU, the sixth-most in school history.
Lipsey is now tied for the fifth-most steals in a career in Big 12 history.
He also started his 115th game at ISU, tied with Jake Sullivan (2001-04) for sixth in program history.
Nate Heise appeared in his 50th game at Iowa State
Up Next
The Cyclones will be back in action this Saturday, Jan. 10, when they return to Hilton Coliseum to host the Oklahoma State Cowboys. ISU and OSU will tip at 3 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on ESPN 2.
