The 2025 men's NCAA Tournament got off to a thrilling start today as the No. 3 seed Iowa State Cyclones decisively defeated the No. 14 seed Lipscomb Bisons with a final score of 82-55 in their first-round matchup at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Cyclones dominated the game, showcasing their depth and skill despite facing some challenges during the season, including the loss of key player Keshon Gilbert to injury.
Iowa State came out strong, shooting an impressive 60% from the floor in the first half, gaining a robust lead early on. Milan Momcilovic led the charge for the Cyclones, scoring 20 points and hitting several key shots, including three from beyond the arc. His performance was crucial in setting the tone of the game.
At halftime, Iowa State had established a comfortable lead at 40-24, thanks in part to their ability to force seven turnovers from Lipscomb, converting these opportunities into 10 points. Joshua Jefferson contributed significantly, logging 10 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, demonstrating his versatility on the court.
The second half saw Iowa State continue its dominant play, with Tamin Lipsey also making an impact, scoring 10 points and racking up four assists. The Cyclones' defense held Lipscomb to just 55 points, a testament to their disciplined efforts on both ends of the floor.
"Good to see him [Lipsey] look healthy after some concern about his injury," noted one analyst, highlighting the importance of Lipsey's contribution as he returned from a recent groin issue. The team's ability to come together without their star player Gilbert not only silenced critics but bolstered their confidence heading into the next round.
In contrast, Lipscomb struggled to find a rhythm throughout the game. Despite being led by Jacob Ognacevic, who averaged 20.1 points per game this season, the Bisons could not match Iowa State's intensity and prowess. Lipscomb's shooting accuracy and defensive efforts fell short as they faced an aggressive Cyclones team. The Bisons had a challenging path leading to this matchup, having lost two earlier games against power conference opponents this season.
The defeat may raise questions about Lipscomb's capability to compete at high levels in the tournament, particularly given their performance statistics: averaging 79.3 points per game but facing a tough Iowa State defense, which allowed only 68.1 points per game over the season.
The victory for Iowa State sets them up for a promising journey in the tournament as they aim for a deeper run after their shaky finish to the regular season. Just last week, they lost a close game against BYU (96-92), highlighting their need for improvement and resilience as they advance. Overall, today's match was indicative of the team's potential when they play cohesively.
The Cyclones will carry this momentum forward into their next game, eager to prove themselves and perhaps silence any lingering doubts about their capabilities as a formidable NCAA Tournament contender. On the other hand, Lipscomb will need to reassess and strategize in preparation for future contests if they are to make an impact moving forward.
