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
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
