Cyclones overwhelm Wildcats in Bramlage

A K-State Basketball player dribbles the ball down the court. Courtesy: Zoe Taylor

A K-State basketball player dribbles in front of an Iowa State player. Courtesy: Zoe Taylor

The student section of Bramlage coliseum with the lights off. Courtesy: Zoe Taylor

What began as a marquee Sunday afternoon inside Bramlage Coliseum quickly turned into a reminder of the gap between a team chasing answers and one firmly established among the nation’s elite. 

No. 8 Iowa State put together a dominant performance on both ends of the floor, rolling past Kansas State 95–61 in Bramlage. The Cyclones shot efficiently, shared the ball, and suffocated the Wildcats defensively, extending what has become the best start in program history. 

Kansas State entered the matchup hoping to build momentum at home despite a depleted roster. Instead, Iowa State imposed its will early and never let the Wildcats settle into a rhythm. 

First Half 

Kansas State briefly grabbed the game’s first momentum behind early baskets from Dorin Buca, but Iowa State responded with force. After the opening media timeout, the Cyclones unleashed a barrage that flipped the game on its head. 

Iowa State ripped off a 12–0 run to take control and continued to pour it on as Kansas State struggled to generate clean looks. Defensive pressure forced rushed possessions, and missed shots compounded the issue. A jumper from P.J. Haggerty finally snapped a lengthy scoring drought, but it did little to slow Iowa State’s surge. 

The Cyclones followed with another extended run — this time stretching to 13 straight points — highlighted by perimeter shooting and transition finishes. By the final media timeout of the half, Iowa State had pushed the lead beyond 25. 

Kansas State managed a few late baskets to close the half, but the damage was done. The Wildcats went into the locker room trailing 50–21 after one of their toughest offensive halves of the season. 

Second Half 

To their credit, the Wildcats came out of halftime with renewed energy. Haggerty led an early push that trimmed the deficit to 23, briefly offering a glimpse of a possible response. That window closed quickly. 

Each time Kansas State strung together stops or baskets, Iowa State answered with a poised approach. The Cyclones used crisp ball movement and timely shot-making to stop any momentum, rebuilding the lead with another decisive run midway through the half. 

As the margin stretched past 30, Iowa State continued to rotate bodies and play with the same defensive intensity that defined the opening minutes. Kansas State fought until the final horn, but the outcome was long decided. 

Back to Business 

Haggerty led all scorers with 23 points, continuing his strong individual stretch despite constant defensive attention. David Castillo joined him in double figures with 11 points, while Buca provided a steady interior presence in limited opportunities. 

For Iowa State, balance was the story. Five Cyclones reached double figures, led by Joshua Jefferson’s effort and strong guard play from Tamin Lipsey. Milan Momcilovic punished defensive lapses from deep, and Iowa State’s bench maintained the pressure throughout. 

The numbers reflected the night: Iowa State shot 55 percent from the floor, assisted on most of its makes, and turned Kansas State turnovers into consistent offense. Meanwhile, the Wildcats struggled to keep pace, undone by shooting woes and Iowa State’s physical, connected defense. 

After the game, Jerome Tang emphasized pride in his team’s fight despite the result, noting the challenges of facing a team built as well as Iowa State. He pointed to the second-half response as a reflection of his group’s character, even as the execution lagged behind the effort. 

Kansas State will look to regroup as conference play continues, while Iowa State left Manhattan looking every bit like a team with March aspirations.