The Lipscomb Bisons are set to face off against the Iowa State Cyclones in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament this Friday afternoon. The game will tip off at 1:30 p.m. ET at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is anticipated to be an exciting matchup between two teams with strong season records. With the Bisons boasting a record of 25-9 and the Cyclones at 24-9, fans are eager to see which team will advance in the tournament.
This matchup marks a significant moment for the Lipscomb Bisons, who are making their second NCAA Tournament appearance. They will attempt to become the first Atlantic Sun team to reach the second round since Liberty achieved the feat in 2019. Conversely, the Iowa State Cyclones are more experienced in the NCAA landscape, entering their 24th tournament and having reached the Sweet 16 last season for the seventh time in the program's history.
However, this tournament journey has not come without its challenges for Iowa State. Senior guard Keshon Gilbert has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a muscle strain, while junior guard Tamin Lipsey is expected to play despite battling a groin injury. These injuries could impact Iowa State's performance as they try to navigate the tournament.
The history between these two teams adds an intriguing layer to the matchup. Iowa State leads the series, winning their only previous encounter against Lipscomb 81-64 back on December 21, 2011. With a sizable point spread, Iowa State opens as a 14.5-point favorite, and the over/under for the total points is set at 143.5. As noted in a recent analysis, "Iowa State brings the Big 12 toughness and a balanced, dangerous offense," making them formidable opponents.
The offensive strategies will likely highlight key players on both sides. For Lipscomb, senior Jacob Ognacevic is having a standout season, leading the Atlantic Sun with an impressive average of 20.1 points per game, recently recognized as the ASUN Player of the Year. His exploits include 10 double-doubles this season, showcasing his dual threat both in scoring and rebounding. In an ASUN Tournament semifinal matchup, he contributed significantly with 21 points and 12 rebounds to help secure victory over Queens.
Additionally, senior guard Will Pruitt has made headlines as well, not only scoring but facilitating play, evident by his triple-double performance earlier this season. Pruitt averages 13.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists while achieving notable recognition for his versatility on the court.
On the other side, Iowa State is fueled by the talents of senior guard Curtis Jones, who earned the Big 12 Sixth Man Award and is averaging 17.1 points per game. In particular, his scoring from the bench has positioned him as a pivotal player in many games throughout the season. Junior forward Joshua Jefferson also provides an important presence for the Cyclones, contributing 13 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, which will be vital against Lipscomb’s aggressive offense.
Bisons fans have reason to remain optimistic as they enter the tournament on a red-hot six-game winning streak, capped off by a 76-65 win over North Alabama in the ASUN Tournament final. The team’s shooting efficiency, especially from the free-throw line where they rank sixth nationally at 79.4%, showcases their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. This capability could prove crucial if the game tightens as the minutes progress.
As the eyes of college basketball enthusiasts move towards March Madness, the expectations are certainly high. With every gameday holding the potential for unexpected outcomes, Lipscomb’s recent performances could signal a surprise, especially given the unpredictability that often accompanies tournament play. "If they hit their stride early, they could run away with it,” one analyst suggested, anticipating a performance that could transcend seeding expectations.
The Lipscomb versus Iowa State matchup promises to be a thrilling contest. Fans will be able to catch all the action on TNT, as well as streaming on Sling, ensuring accessibility for widespread viewership. Both teams have much at stake, and with stellar players leading their respective rosters, the game is bound to captivate audiences. It will certainly be compelling to see which team advances in the NCAA Tournament and how the challenges and strengths on both sides unfold during the game.
