KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The BYU Cougars continue to make their mark in the Big 12 Tournament, defeating the Iowa State Cyclones 96-92 in the quarterfinals Thursday afternoon. This victory was highlighted by a stunning record-breaking performance from beyond the arc.
Leading the charge was Curtis Jones of Iowa State, who scored 31 points, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win as BYU showcased their sharpshooting skills. The Cougars shattered the Big 12 Tournament record with 18 three-pointers, capitalizing on Iowa State's defensive lapses.
The Cyclones entered the game at the T-Mobile Center missing key players, as guards Tamin Lipsey and Keshon Gilbert were sidelined due to injuries. Despite this setback, Iowa State made the contest competitive, particularly thanks to Jones, who ignited the offense.
Both teams engaged in a high-octane matchup, leading to the record-setting total of 31 three-pointers made, eclipsing the previous record of 27 set by Kansas and Texas back in 2008.
BYU started strong, quickly taking control and leading 25-15 with just over 11 minutes remaining in the first half. But the Cyclones responded emphatically as Jones took the floor. The senior unleashed his offensive prowess, scoring 22 points within just five minutes and achieving remarkable shooting accuracy.
At halftime, the Cyclones held a narrow 53-49 lead. They finished the first half with ten three-pointers, giving hope for what could have been another thrilling outcome after their recent double-overtime battle just over a week ago.
After intermission, Iowa State managed to extend their lead to eight points early on, but BYU wasn’t fazed. The Cougars were relentless, hitting 8-of-15 three-point attempts in the second half, eventually reclaiming the lead at 75-72. Notably, back-to-back three-pointers by Heise and Milan Momcilovic brought the score to 80-80 with 6:21 left.
But BYU surged forward, scoring seven of the next nine points, displaying just how resilient they have become. Despite their late-game push, Iowa State could only muster two points from Jones’ free throws, resulting in the Cyclones' disappointing end to their tournament run.
For Iowa State, Jones was the standout player, shooting 11-for-22 overall, including seven three-pointers — setting both personal and conference tournament records. This performance positioned him in the record books as he now sits tied for the seventh-most points scored by any Cyclone during conference tournaments.
Momcilovic chipped in with 18 points, and both Dishon Jackson and Joshua Jefferson added 14 points, showcasing Iowa State’s depth even without their usual starters. On the other hand, BYU was led by Richie Saunders, who scored 23 points as one of six Cougars to make multiple three-pointers.
This victory marks BYU’s continued momentum, as they await to see who they will face next — either the top-seeded Houston or the 16th-seeded Colorado. Social media lit up following the thrilling win, with comments flooding in about BYU’s impressive debut at the Big 12 Championship, highlighting the excitement around their unexpected success.
Overall, this matchup not only showcased potential NCAA Tournament contenders but also provided fans with thrilling college basketball entertainment, solidifying BYU's place as one of the hottest teams heading forward.
Iowa State's next focus will be on their NCAA Tournament destination, with the bracket to be revealed on Sunday.