As of March 13, 2025, the Iowa State Cyclones men’s basketball team, ranked 12th nationally, is actively competing in the Big 12 tournament. In their most recent game on March 12, they secured a decisive 76-56 victory over Cincinnati in the tournament’s second round. Joshua Jefferson led the team with 19 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, while Tamin Lipsey added 16 points. The Cyclones will face BYU in the quarterfinals on March 13.
Under the leadership of head coach T.J. Otzelberger since 2021, the Cyclones have experienced a remarkable resurgence. The 2024-2025 season saw them achieve a 24-8 record, finishing tied for second in the Big 12 with a 13-5 conference record. They clinched the Big 12 Championship by defeating top-ranked teams, including Houston. In the NCAA Tournament, they advanced to the Sweet Sixteen before narrowly falling to Illinois.
The women’s basketball team has also made significant strides. In the 2024-2025 season, they posted a 22-11 overall record and a 12-6 mark in Big 12 play, finishing tied for fourth in the conference. They reached the championship game of the Big 12 tournament but were edged out by Texas. In the NCAA Tournament, they secured a first-round win against Maryland before a close overtime loss to Stanford in the second round.