Trending Now - Iowa State Defeats Kentucky in Historic Tournament Upset

WHO:

Iowa State Cyclones men's basketball team

Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team

Tamin Lipsey, player for Iowa State

Milan Momcilovic, player for Iowa State

Joshua Jefferson, All-America forward for Iowa State

Coach T.J. Otzelberger, Iowa State

Coach Mark Pope, Kentucky

Tyrese Haliburton, Iowa State alum and NBA player

Jaland Lowe, junior guard for Kentucky

Jayden Quaintance, sophomore forward for Kentucky

Otega Oweh, senior guard for Kentucky

Denzel Aberdeen, senior guard for Kentucky

WHAT:

Iowa State defeated Kentucky 82-63 in the second round of the NCAA tournament.

Tamin Lipsey scored 26 points, had 10 assists, and 5 steals.

Milan Momcilovic scored 20 points.

Kentucky's 19-point loss was its largest in an NCAA tournament game since 1972.

Iowa State improved to a record of 29-7 with the victory.

Kentucky committed a season-high 20 turnovers, matching the most in an NCAA tournament game since 1993.

Joshua Jefferson suffered a sprained left ankle and was unable to play.

WHERE:

The game took place at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

Iowa State will face either Virginia or Tennessee in the Midwest Region semifinals in Chicago.

WHEN:

The game occurred on March 22nd, 2026.

An MRI for Joshua Jefferson was scheduled for March 23rd, 2026.

WHY:

Kentucky's loss was attributed to a lack of consistent effort, as noted by players Otega Oweh and Denzel Aberdeen.

Coach Mark Pope mentioned that injuries hampered Kentucky's performance throughout the season.

HOW:

Iowa State overcame a 20-9 deficit to win, making 21 of their final 31 shots after a slow start.

Iowa State's players demonstrated strong teamwork and chemistry, as noted by guard Killyan Toure.

(UPDATED March 23, 2026 01:30 UTC)

In a stunning upset, Iowa State defeated Kentucky 82 to 63 in the second round of the NCAA tournament at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, marking Kentucky's largest tournament loss since 1972. Tamin Lipsey led the Cyclones with an impressive 26 points, while Milan Momcilovic added 20, helping Iowa State improve their record to 29-7, despite losing Joshua Jefferson to a sprained ankle. The Cyclones will now advance to face either Virginia or Tennessee in the Midwest Region semifinals in Chicago.