Seventh-ranked Iowa State delivered one of the most dominant performances of the Big 12 Tournament 2026, defeating Arizona State 91–42 in the second round on Wednesday in Kansas City. The fifth-seeded Cyclones controlled the game from start to finish and secured a place in the tournament quarterfinals.
Iowa State’s balanced offense and aggressive defense overwhelmed the Sun Devils, who struggled throughout the game with turnovers and poor shooting. The victory sends the Cyclones into a quarterfinal matchup against No. 4 seed Texas Tech.
Iowa State Dominates From the Start
The Cyclones took control early and never allowed Arizona State to settle into the game. Iowa State built momentum quickly with strong defense and efficient scoring, racing to a large first-half lead.
By halftime, the Cyclones had already created a massive gap on the scoreboard.
First Half Score
| Team | Halftime Score |
|---|---|
| Iowa State | 45 |
| Arizona State | 16 |
A decisive 18–0 scoring run late in the first half widened the gap and effectively ended the contest before the break.
CYCLONES GET A DOUBLING
— MagicBallSports (@magicballsports) March 11, 2026
Iowa State #doubled Arizona State 91-42 and gets to the Big 12 Quarterfinals in a wire to wire win
Player Of The Game
Joshua Jefferson
20 pts
12 reb
4 ast
pic.twitter.com/ijPXAJSXmw
Key Players Lead Cyclones to Victory
Several Iowa State players delivered standout performances to fuel the dominant win. Milan Momcilovic led the scoring effort, while Joshua Jefferson contributed a strong all-around performance with a double-double.
Iowa State Top Performers
| Player | Points | Rebounds |
|---|---|---|
| Milan Momcilovic | 21 | — |
| Joshua Jefferson | 20 | 12 |
| Blake Buchanan | 17 | — |
| Tamin Lipsey | 11 | — |
Jefferson’s double-double and Buchanan’s strong interior play helped Iowa State dominate both ends of the court.
Arizona State Struggles on Offense
Arizona State had difficulty generating offense throughout the game. The Sun Devils struggled to protect the ball and could not find consistent shooting opportunities against Iowa State’s defense.
Arizona State Key Stats
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Total Points | 42 |
| Turnovers | 23 |
| Three-Point Shooting | 1 of 19 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 31.9% |
The Cyclones converted many of those turnovers into scoring chances, which further increased the margin.
Also see: Big 10 Tournament Bracket 2026: Schedule, TV Channel, Game Times & How to Watch Live
Record Margin of Victory in Big 12 Tournament
The 49-point win became the largest margin of victory ever recorded in the Big 12 Tournament. Iowa State’s defensive pressure and offensive efficiency created a historic result.
Notable Game Numbers
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Iowa State 91 – Arizona State 42 |
| Margin of Victory | 49 Points |
| Points in the Paint (Iowa State) | 44 |
| Team Shooting (Iowa State) | 50.8% |
The Cyclones also held Arizona State to its lowest scoring output of the season.
Defensive Pressure Key to Cyclones’ Success
Iowa State’s defense played a crucial role in the victory. The Cyclones forced turnovers and prevented Arizona State from establishing any offensive rhythm.
The Sun Devils committed 15 turnovers in the first half alone, which allowed Iowa State to build momentum and maintain control throughout the game.
Strong defensive rebounding and pressure on the perimeter ensured Arizona State never mounted a comeback attempt.
What’s Next for Iowa State
With the win, Iowa State moves into the Big 12 Tournament quarterfinals, where the Cyclones will face Texas Tech.
Upcoming Quarterfinal Matchup
| Matchup | Round |
|---|---|
| Iowa State vs Texas Tech | Big 12 Quarterfinal |
The upcoming game will be a rematch after Texas Tech previously defeated Iowa State late in the regular season.
Arizona State Season Likely Comes to an End
The loss likely marks the end of Arizona State’s season. The Sun Devils finished with a 17–16 record and were unable to keep pace with Iowa State’s high level of play in the tournament.
The game also raises questions about the future of the program, including the status of head coach Bobby Hurley, whose contract situation remains uncertain.
Cyclones Building Momentum in Big 12 Tournament
Iowa State’s dominant performance sends a clear message to the rest of the conference. With strong defense, balanced scoring, and efficient shooting, the Cyclones appear ready to make a deep run in the tournament.
Their convincing win over Arizona State provides valuable momentum as the team continues its postseason push.
