Kentucky Wildcats vs. Iowa State Cyclones Live Score and Stats - March 22, 2026 Gametracker - CBS Sports The No. 2 seed Iowa State Cyclones advanced in the NCAA tournament with a decisive 89-72 victory over the No. 1 seed Kentucky Wildcats, fueled by a standout performance from junior guard Tamin Lipsey. The game, played at the Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, saw the Cyclones dominate the second half, turning a 38-35 halftime deficit into a 14-point lead by the final buzzer. Lipsey, who missed most of the season with a knee injury, poured in 26 points and dished out 10 assists, leading the Cyclones’ balanced attack. Kentucky entered the game as a heavy favorite, but Iowa State’s relentless defense and offensive efficiency dismantled the Wildcats’ high-octane style. The Cyclones forced 18 turnovers, including a critical four-turnover stretch in the second half that allowed them to seize control. Lipsey’s ability to create opportunities for teammates was pivotal, as he connected on 7-of-12 three-pointers and drew three key fouls in the final 10 minutes. Iowa State’s victory was also buoyed by the absence of injured forward Keenan Evans, who missed the game after sustaining a knee injury in the first round. The Cyclones’ depth proved crucial, with players like Mouhamed Dioubate and Blake Buchanan contributing 14 and 12 points respectively. Kentucky, meanwhile, struggled to contain Iowa State’s transition game, which accounted for 32 points. The game’s turning point came in the second half when Iowa State’s defense tightened, forcing Kentucky into contested shots and turnovers. The Cyclones’ bench outscored Kentucky’s by 17 points, with Dioubate and Jamarion Batemon combining for 16 points off the bench.#kentucky_wildcats #iowa_state_cyclones #tamin_lipsey #keenan_evans #mouhamed_dioubate
SEC Basketball Tournament Standings and Matchups Set The Southeastern Conference (SEC) regular season has concluded, setting the stage for the 2026 SEC Tournament. Florida, Alabama, Arkansas, and Vanderbilt secured double-byes, while Tennessee, Texas A&M, Georgia, and Missouri earned single-byes. The remaining teams will compete in the tournament, with the first game scheduled for Wednesday at 12:30 PM ET between the Kentucky Wildcats and LSU. The final standings highlight key matchups and potential outcomes. Kentucky, with a strong SEC Tournament history, has won 136 games in the tournament and claimed 31 championships, including their last title in 2018. The Wildcats’ path includes a potential opening-round clash against LSU, followed by a Thursday game against Missouri if they advance. A win over LSU could position Kentucky for a Friday matchup against Florida, though the team has historically faced challenges in later rounds. Georgia, led by coach Mike White, is locked into the NCAA Tournament after securing a top-tier seed. The Bulldogs’ 9-seed last year marks their second consecutive tournament appearance, showcasing their consistency. Meanwhile, Auburn faces a critical test against Mississippi State, as a loss would end their season. Oklahoma’s fate also hinges on a win over Texas, which could be a pivotal moment for the Sooners. Vanderbilt’s tournament journey is unique, as they will start in the quarterfinals for the first time since 2012. The Commodores’ 2023 run to the semifinals, where they defeated LSU and Kentucky, set a precedent for their current season. With a strong regular season, Vanderbilt is assured of an NCAA Tournament berth regardless of their tournament performance. The expanded tournament format has increased the number of games, adding depth to the competition.#kentucky_wildcats #sec #lsu #vanderbilt #texas_a_m
Kentucky women's basketball live updates vs South Carolina The Kentucky Wildcats women's basketball team entered the SEC Tournament with a daunting challenge: securing five consecutive victories to claim the championship. After defeating Arkansas and Georgia in back-to-back games, they now face their most significant test of the season against South Carolina in the quarterfinals. The matchup marks a rematch of their regular-season finale, where Kentucky nearly pulled off a comeback but fell short. With the Gamecocks ranked third in the nation, the stakes are high for the Wildcats. Clara Strack, a standout performer in the tournament, will need to elevate her game once again. Her ability to dominate inside, alongside Teonni Key, will be critical in forcing South Carolina into tough shots. However, Kentucky’s struggles with turnovers have been a recurring issue, and avoiding mistakes will be essential to keep pace with the Gamecocks’ sharpshooting. South Carolina’s efficiency on both ends of the court has made them a formidable opponent, and any lapse in focus could lead to a blowout. The game quickly turned in favor of South Carolina, with the Gamecocks building an early lead and maintaining control throughout. By halftime, the score was 44-27, with Kentucky’s turnovers playing a major role in the deficit. The Wildcats’ fatigue from back-to-back games was evident, as their slower reactions and frequent errors allowed South Carolina to exploit opportunities. Despite a brief rally by Kentucky, the Gamecocks extended their lead, making it difficult for the Wildcats to mount a comeback. Key moments included Clara Strack’s clutch three-pointer and Teonni Key’s efforts to cut the gap, but South Carolina’s relentless offensive efficiency proved too much.#clara_strack #teonni_key #kentucky_wildcats #south_carolina_gamecocks #sec_tournament
