The air in Lawrence, Kansas, was electric on January 13, 2026, as the undefeated No. 2 Iowa State Cyclones arrived at Allen Fieldhouse to face the Kansas Jayhawks in a high-stakes Big 12 showdown. With Iowa State boasting a pristine 16-0 record and Kansas, once a perennial powerhouse, now unranked at 11-5, the stage was set for a clash that had fans and pundits alike buzzing with anticipation. The Cyclones, under head coach T.J. Otzelberger, have been nothing short of sensational this season, blending a stifling defense with a surprisingly efficient offense—a combination that’s propelled them to serious National Championship contender status.
Tip-off was set for 9:00 p.m. ET on ESPN, and both teams entered the contest with something to prove. Iowa State, favored by 3.5 points and holding a moneyline of -170, sought to remain one of only five unbeaten teams in college basketball. Kansas, meanwhile, found itself as a rare home underdog, with the spread at +3.5 and moneyline odds at +145. For Kansas, the game was more than just a shot at halting Iowa State’s perfect run—it was about regaining pride and momentum after an uncharacteristic 1-2 start in conference play and a recent tumble out of the AP Top 25 following an 11-point loss to West Virginia.
The Cyclones have made their mark this season with a defense that’s as tenacious as any in the nation. Ranked second in KenPom’s defensive efficiency, Iowa State’s pressure-heavy approach has forced turnovers on a staggering 24% of opponent possessions. Teams are shooting just 48% from inside the arc and 31% from deep against them, making every possession a battle. Offensively, the Cyclones are no slouches either—they rank 12th in adjusted offensive efficiency and have stunned analysts by shooting a blistering 40.8% from three-point range, second-best in the country.
Junior forward Milan Momcilovic has been the Cyclones’ not-so-secret weapon, averaging 17.6 points per game and connecting on an incredible 55% of his three-point attempts over 110 tries. His hot hand has been a game-changer, and his ability to stretch the floor has opened up the offense for teammates like point forward Joshua Jefferson. Jefferson, a virtual lock for first-team All-American honors, leads Iowa State with 17.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. His all-around play and leadership have made him indispensable, though he faced a unique challenge against Kansas’ 6-foot-11 defensive anchor, Bryson Tiller.
Kansas, coached by the ever-resourceful Bill Self, entered the game with more questions than answers. The Jayhawks’ defense, typically a hallmark of Self’s teams, had faltered in recent outings, allowing 1.16 points per possession to UCF and a whopping 1.29 to West Virginia. Still, Kansas ranked 14th nationally in defensive efficiency, holding opponents to 44% on two-pointers and 29% from beyond the arc. Much of the defensive inconsistency has coincided with the return of star guard Darryn Peterson, who, despite some whispers about his impact on team defense, remains one of the best scorers in the country. Since his return, Peterson has tallied 23, 32, and 26 points in three games, providing a much-needed offensive spark.
Complementing Peterson are Melvin Council Jr. and Flory Bidunga, both of whom have thrived in secondary roles. Bidunga, in particular, has been a force in the paint, averaging 8.94 rebounds and 2.38 blocks per game—second highest in the Big 12. His ability to protect the rim and clean the glass is a crucial counter to Iowa State’s versatile frontcourt, especially with Blake Buchanan and Jefferson attacking inside. Guard Tre White also contributes a steady 15.2 points per game and boasts an impressive 84.1% free throw percentage, adding another layer to Kansas’ offensive arsenal.
Despite Iowa State’s gaudy numbers, the betting public was overwhelmingly behind the Cyclones, with over 71% of spread bets and 83% of moneyline tickets favoring the road favorite. Yet, seasoned observers noted the unique challenge of winning at Allen Fieldhouse, where “Phog Magic” and a raucous crowd have historically fueled Kansas to improbable victories. In fact, Kansas was 7-2 against the spread as a home underdog in its last nine such games, a testament to their resilience on their own court.
On the other side, Iowa State’s road credentials were impressive, too. The Cyclones had already notched double-digit wins at Purdue and Baylor, proving they could handle hostile environments. Their +6.7 turnover margin, compared to Kansas’ -1.2, suggested that the Cyclones’ disruptive defense might tip the scales. Still, Kansas’ tougher strength of schedule (0.6428 vs. 0.5306 for Iowa State) hinted that the Jayhawks’ 11-5 record might be more battle-tested than it appeared.
The game’s total points line opened at 143.5 but quickly jumped to 151.5, reflecting expectations for a high-scoring affair given both teams’ offensive firepower. However, the public leaned heavily toward the under, with 85% of bets anticipating a classic Big 12 defensive struggle. The Cyclones have gone under the total in eight of their last nine meetings with Kansas, and the Jayhawks’ ability to force opponents to the perimeter—ranking 331st in opponent three-point attempts per game—meant shooters like Momcilovic would have plenty of opportunities to make their mark.
As tip-off approached, the Cyclones’ quest for perfection ran headlong into a Kansas team with its back against the wall, desperate to right the ship and remind the nation of its blue-blood pedigree. The matchup between Iowa State’s relentless defense and Kansas’ interior strength, highlighted by Bidunga’s shot-blocking and rebounding prowess, promised a fascinating chess match on both ends of the floor. With so much on the line—not just in the standings, but in pride, narrative, and postseason positioning—every possession felt magnified.
With the game still ongoing and the outcome hanging in the balance, fans in Lawrence and around the country watched intently, eager to see whether Iowa State’s dream season would continue or if Kansas would summon another dose of Phog Magic to upend the Cyclones’ perfect run. One thing was certain: this Big 12 clash was living up to its billing as one of the most anticipated games of the season.
