#iowa_state

The NCAA men’s and women’s tournaments are entering a pivotal phase as the Sweet 16 begins to take shape. The men’s bracket will conclude its first two rounds on Sunday, while the women’s tournament is just starting with the Round of 32, set to finish its first weekend of action on Monday. With eight games scheduled for Sunday, fans are eager to see how the top seeds and underdogs fare in the next round. Iowa State, the No. 2 seed, dominated its opening game with a 108-74 victory over Tennessee State, showcasing its potential as a Final Four contender. However, the Cyclones’ momentum was disrupted by an injury to star player Joshua Jefferson. The senior forward suffered a left ankle sprain after landing awkwardly during a layup, requiring him to leave the court with a boot on his injured leg. While initial X-rays were negative, Jefferson’s availability for Sunday’s game against No. 7 seed Kentucky remains uncertain. The Wildcats, meanwhile, advanced to the second round thanks to a buzzer-beating 3-pointer in their overtime win over Santa Clara. Top seeds Florida and Arizona also cruised through their first-round games, with Florida dismantling Prairie View A&M 114-55 and Arizona overwhelming Long Island University 92-58. Both teams are strong favorites to reach the Final Four, though their upcoming matchups against Iowa and Utah State, respectively, could test their dominance. If either Iowa or Utah State pulls off an upset, the narrative for the tournament could shift dramatically. Sunday’s matchups also feature a high-profile clash between Kansas coach Bill Self and St. John’s coach Rick Pitino. Both coaches, Hall of Fame legends with multiple national titles, will vie for a spot in the Sweet 16.#iowa_state #ncaa_men_tournaments #joshua_jefferson #kansas_coach_bill_self #st_johns_coach_rick_pitino

NCAA Tournament Takeaways: Kentucky's Overtime Thriller, Miami (Ohio) Exit, and Iowa State's Injury Concerns The second day of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament unfolded with a mix of high-stakes drama, controversial calls, and pivotal moments that will shape the tournament’s narrative. While the opening round saw most top seeds advance without major upsets, the games carried enough intrigue to keep fans engaged. Kentucky’s dramatic overtime victory over No. 10 Santa Clara became the day’s defining moment. The Wildcats trailed by three points with 2.4 seconds left in regulation, but Otega Oweh launched a half-court three-pointer that swished through the net as the buzzer sounded, sending the game into overtime. Kentucky eventually prevailed 89-84, but the victory was marred by a contentious call. Santa Clara’s head coach, Herb Sendek, argued for a timeout after his team made a three-pointer to reset their defensive strategy, but officials ignored the signal, allowing Kentucky to reclaim possession. The incident sparked debate over whether Sendek could have reasonably expected a timeout in such a split-second scenario. Meanwhile, Miami (Ohio)’s tournament run came to an end after a 78-56 loss to No. 6 Tennessee. The Redhawks, who had entered the tournament as the most controversial at-large selection, had already beaten No. 11 seed SMU in the First Four. However, their performance against Tennessee—where they struggled to contain the Volunteers’ offense—reinforced criticism that their schedule lacked strength. Despite a 31-1 record, Miami’s lack of Quad 1 wins and perceived weak nonconference matchups left many questioning their inclusion. The school had lobbied for more high-major teams to schedule them in the regular season to bolster their résumé, but such efforts have yet to gain traction.#ncaa_tournament #miami_ohio #kentucky #iowa_state #herb_sendek

Iowa State women's basketball begins its NCAA Tournament journey on Saturday as the 8-seed Cyclones face the 9-seed Syracuse Orange in the first round. The game is set for 4:30 p.m. CT at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, CT. The Cyclones, who secured an at-large bid to the tournament, finished the regular season with a 22-9 record, including a 10-8 mark in Big 12 Conference play. This marks their 24th appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Syracuse, the 9-seed, enters the matchup with a 23-8 record and a 12-6 performance in the ACC. The Cyclones will be looking to build on their recent performance, having lost to Arizona State in the Big 12 Tournament second round on March 5. The game, initially scheduled to air on ESPNews, will shift to ESPN2 once the USC-Clemson matchup concludes. Fans can follow the action through various platforms to catch the opening round showdown.#syracuse_orange #iowa_state #cyclones #harry_a_gampel_pavilion #espns2

Audi Crooks and the eighth-seeded Iowa State women’s basketball team kick off their March Madness campaign with a first-round matchup against ninth-seeded Syracuse on March 21. The Cyclones, who finished seventh in the Big 12 conference, enter the tournament with a 22-9 record. Crooks, a standout scorer for Iowa State, has been a dominant force throughout her career, setting multiple school records and leading the team in scoring. Crooks has averaged 22.6 points per game while shooting 60.1% from the field over her three seasons with the Cyclones. Her performance has been instrumental in shaping Iowa State’s program, as she holds the school’s records for single-game points, single-season points, and field goals. In November 2025, she shattered her own single-game scoring record with 47 points against Indiana, including 19 field goals—both marks set a new standard for the program. Her 329 made field goals in the 2024-25 season remain the best single-season total in school history. Crooks’ achievements extend beyond her collegiate career. She broke her mother’s high school field goal percentage record while playing at Bishop Garrigan in Algona, Iowa. Her mother, a former player at the same school, had previously held the record, making Crooks the first to surpass it. Crooks was named first-team All-State as a freshman, joining her high school teammate Molly Joyce, who also earned the honor. The duo is believed to be the first freshman pair in Iowa history to achieve first-team All-State recognition in the same season. Crooks continued her dominance through high school, earning All-State honors every year and being named Iowa Miss Basketball her senior year. Her success at the collegiate level has also earned her national recognition.#iowa_state #march_madness #audi_crooks #syracuse #mortgage_matchup_center

Audi Crooks plays for Iowa State — and for all those who’ve been told their body is too big Audi Crooks, a standout player for Iowa State, has carved out a remarkable collegiate career despite facing persistent scrutiny over her body size. In the past week alone, she has been named second-team All-American by The Associated Press and the U.S. Basketball Writers Association, and she’s a semifinalist for the Naismith Trophy Women’s College Player of the Year. These accolades are well-earned, as Crooks, the second-leading scorer in college women’s basketball, has dominated the court this season. She averages 25.5 points per game, shooting nearly 65% from the floor, while grabbing 7.8 rebounds and scoring double figures in 97 consecutive games. She also became the fastest in Big 12 women’s basketball history to score 2,000 points, solidifying her status as a generational talent. Now, she leads her 8th-seeded Cyclones into the NCAA women’s basketball tournament. Yet, despite her extraordinary performance, Crooks has become a focal point for cultural debates about body size in sports. Critics often fixate on her physical appearance, despite the fact that basketball is a sport where size is an advantage. Crooks, who stands 6-foot-3, has faced accusations of being “out of shape” and of not taking her “conditioning” seriously, even as her on-court success speaks volumes. A particularly contentious Reddit thread criticized her for allegedly contributing to Iowa State’s early exit from the Big 12 Tournament. Such body-shaming is not unique to Crooks; it is a recurring issue for athletes who defy narrow stereotypes about how an athlete’s body should look. Serena Williams, for example, spent much of her tennis career being called “fat” and “unfit” after surgery and a drop in her rankings.#iowa_state #associated_press #audi_crooks #us_basketball_writers_association #naismith_trophy

5 Takeaways from Session III of NCAA Wrestling Championships Iowa advanced three wrestlers to the NCAA semifinals, with Michael Caliendo, Patrick Kennedy, and Angelo Ferrari securing their spots after overtime victories in the quarterfinals. Iowa State’s Yonger Bastida earned his second All-American honor, marking his first since 2022. The session highlighted strong performances from Iowa’s squad, with key moments shaping the tournament’s momentum. Iowa’s success began with a strong start, posting a 16-2 record on Day 1. However, the Hawkeyes faced a setback in Session III, losing their first three quarterfinal matches. Despite this, they rebounded with five consecutive wins, including victories for Caliendo (165), Kennedy (174), and freshman Angelo Ferrari (184). Ryder Block (149) and Gabe Arnold (197) also contributed by winning consolation matches, helping Iowa close the session with seven wins in their final eight bouts. Caliendo, the lone quarterfinalist favored by seed, delivered a dominant performance with a 14-3 major decision over Stanford’s E.J. Parco. His 102nd career victory solidified his status as one of Iowa’s most consistent performers. Caliendo’s journey to the semifinals underscored his experience and adaptability. After a pin and technical fall in earlier rounds, he faced a tough challenge from Parco but maintained composure to secure the win. “It’s a grind of a tournament; you just have to take it one match at a time,” Caliendo said. His ability to perform under pressure has been a hallmark of his career, with previous finishes including a NCAA runner-up title last season and fourth- and seventh-place finishes in prior years. Patrick Kennedy’s path to the semifinals was equally notable.#iowa #iowa_state #michael_caliendo #patrick_kennedy #angelo_ferrari

Tennessee State vs. Iowa State Men’s Basketball Game: First Round NCAA Tournament Matchup on March 20 The No. 2 Iowa State Cyclones (27-7) and the No. 15 Tennessee State Tigers (23-9) will face off in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 20. The game is scheduled to begin at 3:07 p.m. ET and will determine which team advances to the second round of the tournament. This matchup pits two ranked teams against each other in a high-stakes early round contest. Iowa State, the defending Big 12 champions, enters the game with a strong record and a focus on maintaining their momentum from the regular season. Tennessee State, meanwhile, will look to build on its recent success and secure a spot in the next round. The game will be a critical test for both teams as they aim to progress further in the tournament. For viewers, the game will be broadcast on a major television network, with additional streaming options available for those unable to watch live. Fans can check their local listings or access the game through official streaming platforms to ensure they don’t miss the action. The matchup is expected to draw significant attention due to the teams’ rankings and the competitive nature of the NCAA Tournament. The result of this game will have implications for both programs, as a win could set the tone for the rest of the tournament. With the stakes high and the competition fierce, the battle between these two teams promises to be an exciting early-round showdown.#ncaa_tournament #iowa_state #march_20 #tennessee_state #men_s_basketball

Iowa State's Tamin Lipsey and Killyan Toure Bond as March Madness Nears The dynamic backcourt duo for Iowa State basketball, Tamin Lipsey and Killyan Toure, have forged a unique relationship that transcends their roles as teammates. Their connection, described as a brotherly bond, has become a cornerstone of their success on the court and a source of mutual motivation. While their partnership is built on shared goals and competitive drive, it also includes a playful element of trash talk that adds to their chemistry. Lipsey, the senior guard, and Toure, the freshman from France, have developed a rapport that extends beyond basketball. Their relationship began during intense summer training sessions, where Toure’s aggressive defensive style caught Lipsey’s attention and earned him a spot in the starting lineup. Despite their contrasting personalities—Lipsey’s stoic demeanor versus Toure’s fiery energy—the pair has found a balance that enhances their individual and collective performance. Toure’s habit of switching between French and English during conversations has become a point of humor, with Lipsey admitting he often doesn’t understand the exact words Toure uses. “A lot of it’s in French, actually, so I don’t know what he’s saying, but I can tell when he’s being competitive,” Lipsey said. Toure, meanwhile, hinted at the nature of his verbal exchanges, joking that the phrases he uses during practice are “not good words” to share in front of cameras. Their bond has been tested and strengthened through shared challenges, including Lipsey’s recent groin injury that sidelined him for three games. During his absence, Toure stepped into the point guard role, a responsibility that deepened their trust.#big_12_tournament #iowa_state #march_madness #tamin_lipsey #killyan_toure

Ranking the Top 50 Men's College Basketball Players in March Madness The NCAA tournament is shaped as much by the players as by the brackets, with standout performers capable of elevating their teams to national championships or boosting their NBA draft stock. This list of the top 50 players to watch in March Madness considers not only talent but also potential impact on their teams' tournament runs, excluding those unlikely to advance beyond early rounds. Mid-major breakout candidates are also highlighted, alongside All-Americans and future lottery picks. Five teams—Arizona, Florida, Iowa State, Michigan, and UConn—each contributed three players to the list, while Duke, BYU, Arkansas, Kansas, Tennessee, and Louisville had two. The rankings reflect a blend of skill, team context, and tournament readiness. Miami (Ohio) guard Suder, a senior, led his team to a perfect regular-season record after rejecting NIL offers from power programs. Averaging 14.6 points and 4.0 assists while shooting 42.9% from three, Suder’s decision to stay at Miami spurred key returns, positioning the RedHawks as a top contender. Hofstra’s Davis, a senior guard, emerged as a premier mid-major scorer, averaging 20.2 points and nearly 40% from three. His ability to deliver in high-stakes games, including 29-point outings against Pitt and Syracuse, underscores his value. California Baptist’s Daniels, a senior guard, is a 23.2-point-per-game scorer with a knack for big numbers. His 41-point performance in the WAC semifinals and 47-point outburst against Utah Valley highlight his scoring prowess. South Florida’s Johnson, a redshirt freshman, played a pivotal role in the Cowboys’ tournament run, averaging 17.5 points for a team with a similar profile to last year’s second-round squad.#arizona #florida #ncaa_tournament #iowa_state #march_madness

Judge: Team USA looking to carry Olympic hockey momentum into WBC Aaron Judge joins Pat McAfee to explain how Team USA is looking to carry the momentum from Olympic hockey into the World Baseball Classic. Milan Momcilovic goes on 9-0 run to end half for Iowa State. Jalen Washington’s alley-oop slam puts stamp on Vandy's win. Travis Etienne clarifies how his name should be pronounced. Åberg chips in to tie nine-hole TPC Sawgrass record. Michael Pittman is 'stinking fired up' to be a Pittsburgh Steeler. Can Canada shock Team USA in WBC? Is SGA the runaway favorite for NBA MVP? Big 12 commissioner explains decision to swap LED glass court for hardwood. Why Woody calls Geno Smith a 'massive upgrade' for Jets. Jordan Spieth sinks long birdie from off the green. * Your US State Privacy Rights * Children's Online Privacy Policy * Interest-Based Ads * About Nielsen Measurement * Your Privacy Choices * Disney Ad Sales Site GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos.#aaron_judge #pat_mcafee #iowa_state #jalen_washington #vandy