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
