In a matchup that pitted Big 12 prowess against SEC grit, the No. 16 Iowa State Cyclones pulled away late to defeat Mississippi State 96-80 on Monday night at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The game, part of the early non-conference slate, showcased Iowa State's depth and resilience, especially after a competitive first half where the Bulldogs hung tough.
Tamin Lipsey emerged as the hero for the Cyclones, dropping 25 points, with a scorching 14 in the second half that flipped the script on Mississippi State's defense. Iowa State, now 3-0 on the season, shot an impressive 52% from the field, building on their undefeated start with this neutral-site victory. Mississippi State, slipping to 1-1, struggled with turnovers and couldn't match the Cyclones' pace, despite some solid efforts from their frontcourt.
The Sanford Pentagon, with its intimate 3,250-seat capacity, buzzed with energy for this Division I showdown, marking another chapter in the venue's growing reputation for hosting high-stakes college hoops. Iowa State's bench contributed 32 points, underlining coach T.J. Otzelberger's balanced attack, while the Bulldogs' road woes persisted in this early test.
As both teams gear up for conference play, this result raises questions about Mississippi State's rebounding identity—will they adjust before facing tougher SEC foes?
