Score of Iowa State Game: Why the Cyclones Just Hit a Major Speed Bump

Score of Iowa State Game: Why the Cyclones Just Hit a Major Speed Bump

If you were looking for the score of Iowa State game from this week, you probably noticed things feel a little different in Ames right now. The vibe has shifted from "undefeated and invincible" to "we need to figure this out fast."

On Tuesday night, January 13, 2026, the second-ranked Iowa State men’s basketball team walked into Allen Fieldhouse with a perfect 16-0 record. They walked out with their first "L" of the year. Kansas didn't just win; they dismantled them. The final was 84-63.

Honestly, it wasn't even as close as that 21-point margin looks on paper.

What Happened in Lawrence?

Allen Fieldhouse is a house of horrors for most teams, but nobody expected a blowout of this magnitude. T.J. Otzelberger’s squad usually prides itself on being the most physical, ball-secure group in the country. Instead, they looked rattled. They turned the ball over 10 times in the first half alone—which is basically a season’s worth of mistakes for this group in 20 minutes.

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Kansas jumped out to a 44-23 halftime lead, and the Cyclones spent the rest of the night chasing ghosts. Joshua Jefferson led Iowa State with 12 points, but he also struggled with five turnovers. Tamin Lipsey, the heart of this team, had a rough shooting night, going 4-of-15.

Kansas threw everything at them. Tre White was unconscious from deep, and Darryn Peterson played like the lottery pick everyone says he is.

The Numbers That Matter

  • Final Score: Kansas 84, Iowa State 63
  • ISU Field Goal %: A dismal 24% in the first half.
  • Turnovers: 12 total for the Cyclones, mostly in high-leverage moments.
  • Leading Scorers: Joshua Jefferson and Jamarion Batemon both finished with 12.

Not Just the Men: Women’s Score of Iowa State Game

It’s been a tough week across the board for Cyclone fans. The No. 19 Iowa State women’s team also hit the road, traveling to Boulder to face Colorado on Wednesday, January 14.

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That one was a heartbreaker.

The Cyclones lost 68-62. They led for a good chunk of the game, including a four-point lead at halftime, but they just couldn't close the door. Audi Crooks was a absolute beast down low—she finished with 17 points and 15 rebounds—but Colorado’s Desiree Wooten went off for 24 points.

This loss marks four straight for the women's team. It’s a rare slump for a Bill Fennelly-coached squad, and they’re definitely feeling the pressure of a brutal Big 12 schedule.

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Where Does This Leave Iowa State?

Look, losing at Kansas isn't a season-ender. Every great Iowa State team has had their "welcome to the Big 12" moment. But the way they lost—the lack of composure and the shooting struggles—is what has people worried.

The "score of Iowa State game" search isn't just about the numbers; it's about the trend. The men are 16-1. They are still a lock for a high seed in the NCAA Tournament, but the invincibility cloak is gone. They now have to prove they can bounce back from a punch in the mouth.

What’s Next on the Schedule?

  1. Men's Team: They head to Cincinnati on Saturday, Jan 17. That’s a 1:00 PM CT tip. Cincinnati is notoriously tough at home, so this is a massive "gut check" game.
  2. Women's Team: They travel to Stillwater to take on Oklahoma State this Sunday. They desperately need a win to stop the bleeding.

Practical Steps for Fans

If you're following the Cyclones, don't panic yet. Keep an eye on the turnover margin in the next two games. If they get back to their "identity" basketball—suffocating defense and smart possessions—the Kansas game will just be a footnote.

Check the local broadcast schedules on ESPN+ or the Big 12 Network, as many of these upcoming road games aren't on standard cable. Also, keep tabs on Milan Momcilovic’s foul trouble; he's been limited lately, and ISU needs his perimeter threat to space the floor.

The road doesn't get easier, but that's just life in the Big 12.