State excels in Cyclone heartbreak, prevailing over Curtis Jones’ remarkable effort in victory
Iowa coach TJ Otzelberger, Dishon Jackson, and Joshua Jefferson comment on Iowa State’s 76-56 victory in the Big 12 Tournament second round. (Quad City Times/Ben Hutchens)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Iowa State guard Curtis Jones went on an extraordinary shooting spree that may remain unmatched for the rest of his career.
His remarkable stretch was unforgettable, but in a 96-92 victory for BYU, the ISU defense couldn’t find an answer to the Cougars’ offensive performance. BYU shot 52% from the field and nailed 18 of its 36 three-pointers (50%).
Jones scored 22 points (six 3-pointers, two jumpers) over a 6:21 stretch in the first half. He matched ISU’s single-game conference tournament 3-point record with 3:46 left in the first half. Jones finished with 31 points, just two shy of his career-high 33 against Arizona State.
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Iowa State’s Curtis Jones celebrates after hitting a 3-pointer during the first half of an NCAA basketball game against Brigham Young in the Big 12 Conference tournament quarterfinals, Thursday, March 13, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) Charlie Riedel
The game began far differently than the previous one nine days ago, where ISU had a slim 2-0 lead five minutes into the game at the first media timeout.
The Cougars sank five of their first six 3-pointers and quickly built a 10-point lead. The Cyclones responded with a steal and dunk from forward Joshua Jefferson, a Milan Momcilovic fade-away, and a floater from Jones.
Jones’ efforts helped ISU take a 49-39 lead with 3:08 left in the first half. BYU tied the game at 72 with a corner 3-pointer from Mihailo Boskovic with 11:31 remaining.
In the first half, Iowa State made 10 of 17 three-point attempts (59%), while BYU made 10 of 21 (48%).
A key factor in BYU’s late-game success was their free throw shooting. The Cougars hit 18 of 21 foul shots (85.7%), while ISU made 5 of 7 attempts.
The major difference in ISU’s previous loss to BYU in Ames was the Cougars’ dominance on the boards, winning 52-24. On Thursday, BYU held a 31-28 rebounding advantage.
Neither ISU point guard Tamin Lipsey nor Keshon Gilbert played due to groin injuries. Gilbert was ruled out before the game, while Lipsey dressed but only participated in a light pregame warmup.
Walk-on guard Cade Kelderman played 18 minutes and scored a 3-pointer. Junior Demarion Watson played five minutes, recording a block as the first half ended.
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Brigham Young’s Trey Stewart (1) and Iowa State’s Joshua Jefferson (2) chase a loose ball during the second half of an NCAA basketball game in the Big 12 Conference tournament quarterfinals
