Iowa State Prepares for Sweet 16 Matchup Against Tennessee

Cyclones look to end 26-year drought, advance to Elite Eight

Mar. 27, 2026 at 4:18am

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The Iowa State Cyclones are set to face off against the Tennessee Volunteers in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center in Chicago. The Cyclones are aiming to break a 26-year drought and advance to the Elite Eight, while Tennessee boasts the top-ranked offense in the country and a stifling defense. Both teams are emphasizing the importance of rebounding in determining the outcome of the game.

Why it matters

This matchup represents a significant opportunity for the Iowa State Cyclones to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, something they haven't accomplished since 1996. A win would not only end their Sweet 16 drought but also propel them into the Elite Eight, a milestone that could generate increased excitement and support for the program among their fanbase.

The details

The Cyclones will need to find a way to limit Tennessee's dominant offensive rebounding and use that as a catalyst to push the pace of their own offense. Iowa State's players have expressed confidence in their ability to match Tennessee's athleticism, having faced similar challenges in the Big 12 conference. The Cyclones will also be keeping a close eye on the status of injured player Joshua Jefferson, who was seen practicing without a boot and is considered a game-time decision.

  • The Sweet 16 matchup between Iowa State and Tennessee is set to tip off in less than 24 hours at the United Center in Chicago.
  • Iowa State is looking to break a 26-year drought and advance to the Elite Eight for the first time since 1996.

The players

Jamarion Batemon

An Iowa State freshman who emphasized the importance of keeping Tennessee off the offensive glass.

Blake Buchanan

An Iowa State junior who believes the team that wins the rebounding battle will win the game.

Milan Momcilovic

An Iowa State junior who believes the Cyclones' experience in the Big 12 has prepared them for Tennessee's athleticism.

Tamin Lipsey

An Iowa State senior who said the team is playing with urgency and confidence, despite a poor shooting performance in the first half against Kentucky.

Joshua Jefferson

An Iowa State player who was seen practicing without a boot and is considered a game-time decision for the Sweet 16 matchup.

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What they’re saying

“Well, one, they're the number one team in the country as far as offensive rebounding, so it's going to be a huge emphasis on keeping them off the glass and then using that to push and pace our offense because they won't be able to get back in time.”

— Jamarion Batemon, Iowa State Freshman

“They're a good team. They're physical, they're strong, they're pretty big in the back court, in the front court. So I think a big thing is going to be just rebounding. I think whoever wins the rebounding battle is going to win this game. I thought they're a good team, so we have a lot of respect for them.”

— Blake Buchanan, Iowa State Junior

“The Big Twelve just gets us prepared for that, so I don't think it's going to be really anything different. We haven't seen we've played Houston they have a bunch of athletes who crash and go hard, so... I think that prepares us for this game and I think we're ready for it.”

— Milan Momcilovic, Iowa State Junior

“Being urgent, knowing that the next game we lose, our season's over, and taking that confidence and riding with it, we've been playing great. Obviously, besides the first half, shooting wise against Kentucky, but coming off that second-half, I think a lot of guys are feeling good about their shot and just how they're playing on both sides of the ball.”

— Tamin Lipsey, Iowa State Senior

What’s next

The winner of the Iowa State-Tennessee matchup will advance to the Elite Eight, one step closer to the Final Four.

The takeaway

This Sweet 16 clash represents a significant opportunity for the Iowa State Cyclones to end their 26-year drought and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. While Tennessee presents a formidable challenge, the Cyclones appear confident in their ability to match the Volunteers' physicality and athleticism, having faced similar tests in the Big 12 conference. Rebounding will be a key factor in determining the outcome of this highly anticipated matchup.