Iowa State owns college basketball today. The Cyclones did not just win, they announced a new standard. The men raced to 9-0 and jumped to No. 4 after crushing No. 1 Purdue 81-58 on the road. The women are 11-0 and ranked No. 10 after a fierce 74-69 Cy-Hawk win, powered by Audi Crooks’ 30 points and 10 rebounds. This is not a moment. This is a surge.
The Men Just Redrew the Map
I watched a mature team walk into Mackey Arena and control every minute. Purdue had size and a reputation. Iowa State brought pace, pressure, and purpose. The 23-point margin was a shock to the country. Inside the locker room, it was validation.
Tamin Lipsey steadied everything. He set the table, beat traps, and owned late clock moments. Milan Momcilovic stretched the floor and hit timely shots. Joshua Jefferson fit every crack. He defended, cut, and finished. Each played to strength, and the parts fit clean.
Iowa State’s numbers match the eye test. The Cyclones sit among the top teams in offensive and defensive efficiency. Their average win margin hovers around 30. That is not luck. That is habit.
[IMAGE_1]
Iowa State men, 9-0 and No. 4. Iowa State women, 11-0 and No. 10. Both unbeaten, both for real.
Why It Works
It starts with defense. Rotations are crisp. Closeouts are under control. The ball is pressured without fouls. Rebounding is collective. Guards hit bodies, and bigs clear space.
The offense is simple and sharp. Spread the floor. Attack the paint. Kick to shooters. The Cyclones value the ball and punish mistakes. Opponents get worn down by clean possessions and layers of effort.
Hilton Magic is still real, but this group travels. That is how you turn a fast start into a season that matters in March.
The Women Are Surging With Star Power
The women held the state line and sent a message. Beat No. 11 Iowa, 74-69. Close the door in the final minute. Do it behind a center who demanded the game. Audi Crooks was the best player on the floor. She owned the paint, sealed position, and finished through contact. She worked both ends, then hit free throws late.
Support around her is steady and smart. The guards feed the post without fear. The wings defend and rebound. Coach Bill Fennelly has balance and poise in the rotation. They close quarters strong and keep their poise when games get tight.
This team also grades out elite in the metrics. The offense shares the ball. The defense guards without fouling. That mix wins in league play.
[IMAGE_2]
Players You Need To Know
- Tamin Lipsey, the floor general, calm in chaos
- Milan Momcilovic, a tall shooter who bends defenses
- Joshua Jefferson, the two-way glue who changes tempo
- Audi Crooks, a trusted star who sets the tone inside
The Stakes Just Went Way Up
Both teams now carry the target. Every opponent will circle the date. The men will see the Big 12 grind next. Packed gyms, veteran coaches, and long scouting reports are coming. The women face the same path. The league knows Crooks is a problem. They will double and test the guards. It will not matter if Iowa State wins first quarters. It will matter if they win fourth quarters.
Seeding is in play for both. The men look like a top two seed path if they hold form. The women carry a similar track if they stack road wins and protect home court. Hilton will be wild. Tickets will move fast. The student section already sets the edge.
Watch how both teams handle quick turnarounds after high emotion wins. Composure on short prep usually separates good from great.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How big was the men’s win at Purdue?
A: It was a 23-point road win over the top ranked team. That is program shifting.
Q: What makes the men’s team dangerous?
A: Balance. They defend every trip, value the ball, and shoot with confidence.
Q: How did the women beat Iowa?
A: They controlled the paint with Audi Crooks and closed late with smart possessions.
Q: Are both teams real conference title threats?
A: Yes. Their efficiency, depth, and poise point to sustained success.
Q: What should fans watch next?
A: Road composure, rebounding margins, and late game execution will tell the story.
Conclusion: Iowa State has the floor. The men crushed a giant and looked like one. The women answered a rivalry test with control and star power. This is dual dominance, built on defense, trust, and poise. Ames is not whispering anymore. Hilton Magic is loud, and both teams are ready for the fight ahead.
