Prep Zone

AMES, Iowa — Iowa State turned Thursday night into a runaway almost as soon as the ball went up. Behind a blistering early surge, efficient shooting across the lineup, and major production from its bench, the No. 8 Cyclones rolled past Colorado 97–67 at Hilton Coliseum, overwhelming the Buffaloes with pace and precision from the opening minutes. The win improved Iowa State to 19–2 overall and 6–2 in Big 12 play, while Colorado dropped to 12–9 (2–6 Big 12) and saw its losing streak stretch to six games. For the Cyclones, it was another emphatic home performance in a season filled with them, as Iowa State remained unbeaten in Ames and continued stacking double-digit wins against conference competition. Cyclones’ 30–1 Run Turns the Game Into a Rout Colorado actually struck first. Sebastian Rancik opened the scoring with a three-pointer, briefly giving the Buffaloes an early spark and a moment of optimism. That moment lasted only seconds before Iowa State unleashed one of its most dominant stretches of the season. Over the next six and a half minutes, the Cyclones erupted on a 30–1 run, turning a 3–0 deficit into a 30–4 avalanche that effectively decided the game before the first media timeout stretch was even complete. Iowa State’s opening run was built on everything that has made the Cyclones so difficult to beat this year: rapid ball movement, confident perimeter shooting, and relentless energy on both ends of the floor. The Cyclones buried five three-pointers during the early flurry and finished at the rim when Colorado overextended to protect the arc. Batemon Sparks the Early Explosion Jamarion Batemon, a freshman who was held scoreless in Iowa State’s previous game, became the immediate catalyst. He drilled a three-pointer, then followed with a four-point play on the next possession, a sequence that pushed the tempo even higher and sent Hilton Coliseum into full roar. By the time Tamin Lipsey knocked down a three and Nate Heise finished a dunk, Iowa State was up by 26 just eight minutes into the game. Colorado tried to stop the bleeding with multiple early timeouts, but the Cyclones kept coming, converting high-percentage looks and forcing the Buffaloes into rushed possessions on the other end. Colorado Shows Fight, But Iowa State Keeps Answering To Colorado’s credit, the Buffaloes did not fold completely. After falling into the early hole, they responded with a short burst that showed some fight. Isaiah Johnson, the freshman guard who has emerged as Colorado’s most consistent scorer, sparked a 12–4 Colorado run with aggressive drives and a three-pointer. Barrington Hargress also hit from deep during that stretch, helping Colorado trim the deficit and stabilize the game enough to avoid total freefall. But every time Colorado found a small rhythm, Iowa State answered with another wave. The Cyclones’ depth became a major factor as the game progressed, with fresh bodies rotating in and maintaining the same intensity. By halftime, Iowa State was firmly in control with a 52–29 advantage, posting their second straight 50-point first half and another massive halftime margin at home. Balanced Cyclones Fill the Box Score Batemon led Iowa State with 17 points, providing a huge scoring lift off the bench while hitting four threes. Milan Momcilovic added 16 points, continuing his steady season-long production while also stretching Colorado’s defense with timely perimeter shots. Lipsey finished with 14 points and five assists, directing the offense and keeping Iowa State’s pace under control even while the Cyclones played fast. Joshua Jefferson contributed 13 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, filling the stat sheet and giving Iowa State consistent presence in the paint. Iowa State also received valuable production from freshmen Dominykas Pleta and Killyan Toure, who each scored 12 points, giving the Cyclones six players in double figures. The scoring balance reflected Iowa State’s identity as a team that can overwhelm opponents from multiple spots, especially when it gets early momentum and plays downhill. Second Half Becomes a Showcase of Depth and Efficiency The second half followed the same script. Colorado opened with a couple of strong finishes, including dunks that briefly brought energy back into the Buffaloes’ side, but Iowa State never allowed the margin to drop into a range that felt threatening. Momcilovic buried another three early in the half to stretch the lead, and the Cyclones continued to win possessions with efficiency and rebounding. Iowa State eventually led by as many as 37 points, turning the final 10 minutes into extended rotation minutes and a chance to empty the bench. The Cyclones finished the game shooting 61 percent from the field, their best mark in a conference game in four years. Iowa State also hit 10 three-pointers and consistently created open looks through ball movement and transition opportunities. Numbers That Defined the Blowout Iowa State’s bench was especially decisive, outscoring Colorado’s reserves 40–17, a gap that underscored how Iowa State’s depth wore down the Buffaloes over the course of 40 minutes. Colorado’s biggest bright spot was Johnson, who led all scorers with 24 points, including 15 in the first half. Hargress added 11 points, but Colorado struggled to find consistent production elsewhere, particularly early when Iowa State’s defensive pressure and speed overwhelmed the Buffaloes’ spacing. Colorado also faced major disadvantages in the physical areas of the game. Iowa State won the rebounding battle 33–22, marking the first time this season Colorado had been out-rebounded. The Cyclones also dominated in the paint, outscoring the Buffaloes 46–28 on interior points, repeatedly turning drives and cuts into high-percentage finishes. Final Takeaway For Iowa State, the win was another statement that reinforced its position near the top of the Big 12. The Cyclones have now won by 30 points for the second time in three games, and they continue to stack dominant performances at home with a formula that travels well: defend, rebound, share the ball, and attack in waves. Colorado will look to regroup quickly as it returns home to host TCU, while Iowa State heads back on the road for a matchup at Kansas State. But on Thursday night in Ames, the story was simple. Iowa State landed the first punch, never let up, and turned a conference game into a blowout before Colorado could even settle in.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois continues to look every bit like a Big Ten contender, and Thursday night provided another steady reminder of why. Behind a strong all-around performance from freshman star Keaton Wagler and another balanced scoring effort from a deep rotation, No. 9 Illinois defeated Washington 75–66 at a sold-out State Farm Center to extend its winning streak to 10 games, the longest active streak in the conference. The Illini improved to 18–3 overall and 9–1 in Big Ten play, strengthening their position in the league race at the midpoint of conference action. Washington fell to 11–10 (3–7 Big Ten), continuing a challenging stretch of road games against ranked opponents, but the Huskies also left Champaign with signs of progress after competing well into the second half. From the opening minutes, the game followed a familiar Illinois script: survive an early punch, respond with a run, then win the possession battle until the opponent runs out of answers. Washington Strikes First, Illinois Answers Quickly Washington arrived with confidence and opened the game with its best early stretch of the night. The Huskies scored the first seven points, using a quick three-pointer and two strong finishes inside to momentarily seize momentum and quiet the crowd. That start did not rattle Illinois. The Illini responded with a 10–0 run over the next four minutes, flipping the scoreboard and taking control of the game for good. Wagler hit a deep three to ignite the comeback, and Illinois’ pace immediately began to stress Washington’s defense, forcing the Huskies into longer possessions and tougher looks. The opening swing set the tone for the rest of the night. Washington continued to compete, but Illinois’ ability to respond immediately after key Husky baskets prevented the visitors from ever building lasting momentum. Illini Freshmen Set the Pace in the First Half Illinois leaned heavily on its freshman duo early, with Wagler and David Mirkovic combining to score all 16 of Illinois’ points during one stretch in the first half. The two consistently attacked gaps in Washington’s defense, and their composure helped Illinois establish a working margin even when shots were not falling at a high rate. Wagler finished the night with 22 points and eight assists, adding five rebounds and two steals while playing nearly the entire game. His ability to create offense both as a scorer and facilitator was the defining factor, especially during stretches when Washington cut the deficit to a single possession. Mirkovic added 19 points and six rebounds, providing steady offense from multiple spots on the floor. Whether finishing at the rim, hitting jumpers in rhythm, or stepping into open looks from outside, he gave Illinois a reliable second option throughout the night. Illinois led 33–26 at halftime, a margin built on strong shot creation and control of the game’s most important area: extra possessions. Second-Chance Points Separate Illinois While the final score stayed within reach for long stretches, Illinois consistently won the margin that often decides Big Ten games. The Illini dominated second-chance opportunities, turning offensive rebounds into repeated scoring chances and wearing down Washington’s defensive structure. Illinois finished with a 24–4 advantage in second-chance points, a gap that became the most decisive statistical difference in the game. Washington battled on the glass overall, but Illinois’ ability to extend possessions repeatedly created pressure the Huskies could not overcome for 40 minutes. Even when Washington defended well initially, Illinois found ways to keep plays alive. Those extra possessions often led to timely threes, and the Illini’s perimeter shooting served as a backbreaker whenever Washington threatened to make a push. Illinois hit 11 three-pointers, continuing a trend that has defined its offensive identity. The Illini have now made at least 10 threes in seven straight games, and they again used perimeter spacing to open driving lanes and create high-quality looks. Ben Humrichous played a key role in that area, finishing with 14 points and knocking down four threes on six attempts. His late shot-making helped keep Washington from closing the gap in the final minutes. Washington Competes, But Illinois Never Breaks Washington showed resilience after the early deficit and repeatedly cut the margin down to a manageable number. The Huskies pulled within three in the first half and got as close as five several times in the second, but Illinois consistently answered with either a three-pointer or a strong finish at the rim. Hannes Steinbach led Washington with 15 points and 12 rebounds, recording his 13th double-double of the season while adding a career-high four blocks. His presence inside helped Washington win stretches in the paint and gave the Huskies a steady scoring option when possessions slowed down. Wesley Yates III added 13 points, hitting three of five attempts from beyond the arc, and Zoom Diallo posted the first double-double of his career with 12 points and 10 assists. Diallo also grabbed seven rebounds, showing the type of versatility Washington needs as it navigates a difficult conference schedule. The Huskies even outscored Illinois in the paint, but Illinois’ ability to convert second chances and punish mistakes with timely perimeter shooting prevented Washington from ever fully flipping the game. Closing Stretch Shows Illinois’ Poise Illinois did not deliver a single knockout run late, but the Illini played with the control of a veteran team. With the lead hovering in the single digits, Wagler and Humrichous hit critical threes inside the final two minutes to push the margin back into comfortable territory. Wagler’s final three came shortly after Humrichous hit a dagger from the corner, and that one-two sequence ended Washington’s final push. Illinois closed the game by protecting the ball, defending without fouling excessively, and finishing possessions on the glass. Illinois did not shoot its best from the free-throw line, but it made enough plays everywhere else to stay in command, improving to 11–1 at home and continuing one of the strongest starts the program has had in two decades. Final Takeaway Illinois’ 75–66 win over Washington was not its flashiest performance, but it was another example of why the Illini are positioned as a Big Ten title threat. Wagler delivered another complete game, Mirkovic provided steady scoring support, and Illinois once again won the possession battle with relentless offensive rebounding and second-chance production. Washington competed with energy and had multiple players produce strong individual performances, but Illinois’ ability to respond to every run and control the game’s margins made the difference. With the Illini now riding a 10-game win streak, their next road test looms large as they prepare for a rematch against No. 5 Nebraska.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida State spent most of Wednesday night in control, then spent the final minutes surviving. The Seminoles built a commanding first-half cushion, absorbed a determined second-half comeback from California, and escaped with a 63–61 victory at the Donald L. Tucker Center in a tightly contested Atlantic Coast Conference matchup. The win moved Florida State to 9–12 overall and 2–6 in ACC play, while California fell to 15–6 (3–5 ACC) after coming up just short in its first-ever trip to Tallahassee. Florida State’s early execution set the foundation. The Seminoles opened with pace, shot-making, and physical play in the paint, using quick offensive bursts to keep California from settling into a rhythm. A game that began with back-and-forth energy soon tilted toward the home team as Florida State strung together the first major run of the night. First-Half Run Gives Seminoles Control Florida State’s start was fueled by perimeter confidence and an aggressive interior approach. The Seminoles hit early three-pointers to establish momentum, and when California responded with its own shooting stretch, Florida State answered with another push that regained control of the tempo. California briefly flashed the offensive balance that has carried it through the season. Dai Dai Ames attacked off the dribble, Justin Pippen knocked down a three, and Chris Bell delivered a pair of deep shots that helped the Bears build a short-lived advantage. But Florida State quickly stabilized, tightening defensively and turning stops into points. The decisive stretch came late in the half. Florida State closed the opening 20 minutes on an 18–4 run, creating separation with improved ball movement, transition opportunities, and consistent paint scoring. By halftime, the Seminoles had opened up a 36–23 lead, holding California to its fewest points in any half this season. Chauncey Wiggins set the tone offensively, scoring 13 of his 18 points in the first half and providing the spacing Florida State needed to attack inside. California’s offense, meanwhile, stalled for long stretches, and the Bears’ inability to generate consistent looks near the rim forced them into contested jumpers. Florida State Pushes Lead to 15, Cal Responds Florida State extended its advantage early in the second half, stretching the margin to 15 points just minutes after the break. A Robert McCray V layup pushed the lead to its largest point of the night and appeared to put the Seminoles in full control. California refused to let the game slip away. The Bears began to chip into the deficit by tightening defensively and finally generating offense through both second chances and timely perimeter shooting. Milos Ilic provided a spark with a putback, and John Camden added a three-pointer as Cal started to find life. Ames continued to apply pressure as a downhill guard, while Pippen’s shooting kept Florida State from fully packing the paint. The Bears gradually carved the deficit into single digits, turning the final 12 minutes into a possession-by-possession fight. Cal’s improved second-half efficiency was noticeable, even if the overall shooting numbers remained modest. The Bears began to win more loose-ball sequences, generated better shot quality, and found momentum at the foul line as Florida State’s early cushion began to shrink. Pippen and Cal Take Late Lead Before Seminoles Answer California’s comeback reached its peak late. With Florida State still clinging to a narrow edge, the Bears produced their best stretch of execution, finally breaking through to take the lead. Pippen delivered one of the defining moments of the night, finishing a crucial sequence that helped California take a 59–58 advantage with 3:45 remaining, its first lead since the early portion of the first half. It was the reward for a relentless comeback that saw the Bears erase a 15-point deficit on the road. But Florida State responded immediately. McCray attacked the rim for a basket that reclaimed the lead, and the Seminoles leaned on their physicality and composure to regain control in the closing possessions. The final minutes became a battle of execution rather than pace. Both teams were forced into half-court possessions, and each defensive stop carried massive weight. Florida State’s ability to stay aggressive in the paint proved critical as the game tightened. Wiggins Delivers the Decisive Shot With the game tied at 60–60, Florida State found its go-ahead basket from its most consistent scorer. Wiggins knocked down a jumper with just under three minutes remaining, putting the Seminoles in front for good and giving the home crowd a final burst of energy. California still had multiple chances to steal the win, but the Bears could not convert late. Cal missed its final four shots, including a potential game-winner from three-point range at the buzzer that fell short. Florida State did not score in the final two-plus minutes either, but it made the defensive plays necessary to protect the lead. Lajae Jones played a major role in the closing sequence, helping secure a critical defensive rebound at the horn that sealed the victory. Florida State Wins the Paint Battle While California hit 10 three-pointers, Florida State won the game where it mattered most: inside. The Seminoles outscored the Bears 32–14 in the paint, a decisive margin that defined the contest and helped Florida State survive despite modest overall shooting. Florida State also received valuable contributions from its bench, which outscored California’s reserves and provided energy during key stretches. AJ Swinton gave the Seminoles an important lift in extended minutes, knocking down two three-pointers and contributing on the glass. McCray finished with 11 points and played a major role in steadying Florida State late, adding playmaking and rim pressure during the most important possessions. Wiggins led all Seminoles with 18 points, shooting efficiently and delivering the game’s defining jumper. For California, Pippen led all scorers with 19 points, including a career-high four made three-pointers. Bell added 13 points, and Ames reached double figures again while continuing his strong ACC play. Ilic provided a significant interior effort, grabbing 11 rebounds in his first start as a Bear. Final Takeaway Florida State’s 63–61 win over California was built on an elite first half and protected by late defensive execution. The Seminoles created separation with a dominant closing stretch before halftime, then withstood a furious second-half comeback that briefly put them behind in the final four minutes. California proved it can compete in difficult ACC road environments and nearly stole the win late, but Florida State’s control in the paint and timely shot-making from Wiggins ultimately made the difference in a game that came down to the final possession.