Iowa State vs BYU Big 12 Tournament Full Game

Game Summary In a high-octane quarterfinal showdown, No. 17 BYU used a record-setting night from beyond the arc to take down No. 12 Iowa State 96-92 in the Big 12 Tournament. Despite a massive effort from Curtis Jones, who poured in 31 points with seven three-pointers, the short-handed Cyclones fell short as BYU’s Richie Saunders delivered a game-sealing three-pointer with under a minute left.

The fourth-seeded Cougars (24-8) drained an incredible 18 three-pointers, setting a new Big 12 Tournament record, and advanced to face No. 2 Houston or Colorado in the semifinals. Iowa State (24-9) played without key starters Keshon Gilbert and Tamin Lipsey, which proved to be a challenge despite their offensive firepower.

Key Moments

Iowa State led 53-49 at halftime behind a red-hot start from Jones, who scored 22 first-half points.

BYU trailed 72-64 with 12:30 remaining but surged ahead with an 11-0 run, capped by a Mihailo Boskovic three-pointer.

With 49.1 seconds left, Saunders buried a crucial three-pointer to put BYU up 92-88. Iowa State was unable to respond, sealing the game for the Cougars.

Takeaways

Cyclones Shorthanded: Iowa State played without Keshon Gilbert (muscle strain) and Tamin Lipsey (groin strain), impacting their depth and playmaking ability.

Record-Breaking Shooting: The two teams combined for 31 three-pointers, setting a Big 12 Tournament record.

Turnovers Kept in Check: After committing 29 turnovers in their double-overtime win against ISU last week, BYU cleaned it up with only 10 giveaways in this game.

Notable Performances

Curtis Jones (ISU): 31 points, 7 three-pointers

Milan Momcilovic (ISU): 18 points

Richie Saunders (BYU): 23 points, clutch three-pointer in final minute

Fousseyni Traore (BYU): 15 points

Trevin Knell (BYU): 14 points

What’s Next?BYU advances to the Big 12 semifinals, where they will face either Houston or Colorado. Iowa State now looks ahead to the NCAA Tournament, hoping to get Gilbert and Lipsey back to full strength for a deep March Madness run.

Tough loss for the Cyclones, but March is just beginning! Sound the Cyrens and get ready for the Big Dance! 🚨🏀🔥