No. 8 Iowa State Rolls Past Kansas State

Cyclones bounce back from brief stumble with three straight wins, including a 30-point blowout of Colorado.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 7:55pm

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The 8th-ranked Iowa State Cyclones are off to their best start in program history at 19-2 overall and 6-2 in Big 12 play. After a brief two-game skid in mid-January, the Cyclones have responded with three straight wins, including a 97-67 blowout of Colorado in their most recent game. Freshman Jamarion Batemon provided a big boost off the bench with 17 points. Iowa State will now visit Kansas State, who has lost 7 of their last 8 games and is dealing with several key player absences.

Why it matters

Iowa State is establishing itself as one of the top teams in the Big 12 and the country this season, setting new program records. Their ability to bounce back quickly from a brief stumble shows the team's resilience and depth. Meanwhile, Kansas State is struggling mightily and will have a tough time trying to pull off the upset against the surging Cyclones.

The details

After starting the season 16-0, the best start in school history, Iowa State hit a rough patch with back-to-back road losses to Kansas and Cincinnati in mid-January. But the Cyclones have responded with three straight wins, including two by 30-point margins. Their most recent victory was a 97-67 blowout of Colorado, featuring a 30-1 run. Freshman Jamarion Batemon had 17 points off the bench, the second-highest total of his young career. Iowa State's balanced scoring attack is led by Milan Momcilovic, Joshua Jefferson, and Tamin Lipsey, while the team's stifling defense ranks 15th nationally.

  • Iowa State started the season 16-0, the best start in program history.
  • In mid-January, Iowa State suffered back-to-back road losses to Kansas and Cincinnati.
  • Since then, Iowa State has won three straight games, including two by 30-point margins.
  • Iowa State's most recent win was a 97-67 blowout of Colorado on Thursday.

The players

Jamarion Batemon

A freshman who provided a big boost off the bench for Iowa State, scoring 17 points in their recent blowout win over Colorado.

Milan Momcilovic

Iowa State's leading scorer, averaging 18.6 points per game.

T.J. Otzelberger

The head coach of the Iowa State Cyclones, who has guided the team to their best start in program history.

Jerome Tang

The head coach of the struggling Kansas State Wildcats, who have lost 7 of their last 8 games.

P.J. Haggerty

A key player for Kansas State who ranks 5th nationally in scoring at 23.0 points per game, but has struggled late in games.

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What they’re saying

“His pride and how much he wants to play well and play for our program and team is great. In some respects (when the bench was playing), we got better.”

— T.J. Otzelberger, Head Coach, Iowa State

“We've gone back to being a hunter instead of being something other than that. I think that's when we're at our best. Our practice habits have been carrying over into the games.”

— T.J. Otzelberger, Head Coach, Iowa State

“They out-toughed us down the stretch.”

— Jerome Tang, Head Coach, Kansas State

“I have trust in all my players down the stretch. You just want to make the right play and play the right way. Sometimes it's the shot for (Haggerty), and sometimes it's making the play and getting the ball to somebody else, and you just want him to make the right play.”

— Jerome Tang, Head Coach, Kansas State

What’s next

Iowa State will look to continue their strong play when they visit Kansas State on Sunday. Kansas State will try to end their recent skid and pull off the upset against the 8th-ranked Cyclones.

The takeaway

Iowa State has shown the ability to bounce back from a brief stumble, demonstrating the depth and resilience of the team. Meanwhile, Kansas State is struggling mightily and will have a tough time trying to slow down the surging Cyclones.