If you were looking for the Iowa State score today, you likely witnessed a gritty, blue-collar battle in the Queen City. Heading into this Saturday, January 17, 2026, matchup, the No. 2 ranked Cyclones were walking into a bit of a hornets' nest at Fifth Third Arena. Everyone in Ames was still stinging a little from that rough 84-63 loss to Kansas earlier in the week. Honestly, when a top-tier team loses their "0" and drops their first game of the season, the next road trip is always a massive question mark.
T.J. Otzelberger’s squad didn't have much time to lick their wounds. Cincinnati isn't exactly a vacation spot for visiting Big 12 teams. The Bearcats, sitting at 9-8, were desperate for a "quad 1" win to salvage their season.
The Final Score: Iowa State vs. Cincinnati
In a game that felt more like a wrestling match than a track meet, Iowa State defeated Cincinnati 76-69.
It wasn't always pretty. In fact, for the first ten minutes, it was kinda ugly. But the Cyclones showed why they’re a top-five team by locking down defensively when it mattered most. They covered the 6.5-point spread by the skin of their teeth, mostly thanks to some ice-cold free-throw shooting in the final minute.
How the Cyclones Got It Done
Iowa State has a certain "look" this year. It's built on the backs of guys like Joshua Jefferson and Tamin Lipsey. Jefferson, who has been playing like an All-American lately, came into this game averaging over 17 points. Today, he was the focal point again.
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The Bearcats tried to double-team him early, which worked for a minute. Cincinnati’s Baba Miller is a legit threat—he was coming off a 25-point performance against Colorado—and he gave the Cyclones fits in the paint during the first half.
But then Milan Momcilovic started hitting.
You’ve seen him do it before. He has that high release that’s basically unblockable. Once he hit two triples in a row midway through the second half, the momentum shifted for good. Iowa State’s defense, which is famously suffocating, forced 14 turnovers. You can't give a team as disciplined as ISU that many extra possessions and expect to win.
Key Stats from the Iowa State Game Today
People usually focus on the final score, but the "how" is more interesting.
- Iowa State: 76 points, 46% shooting from the field.
- Cincinnati: 69 points, 41% shooting.
- Turnover Battle: Iowa State +5.
- Top Scorer: Joshua Jefferson (21 points).
The rebounding was surprisingly even. Usually, the Cyclones get bullied a bit on the glass because they play smaller, more mobile lineups, but they held their own today. They didn't let Cincinnati get those "garbage buckets" off second chances that keep home crowds engaged.
Why This Win Matters So Much
Let’s be real: losing two in a row in the Big 12 is the start of a tailspin. After the Kansas blowout, there were people on Twitter (or X, whatever we're calling it this week) wondering if the Cyclones were "exposed."
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Winning at Cincinnati proves they aren't.
It’s about the bounce-back. Otzelberger has built a culture where one loss doesn't turn into two. By grinding out a seven-point win in a hostile environment, Iowa State stays in the hunt for a Big 12 regular-season title and keeps their resume looking like a No. 1 seed for March.
What’s Next for the Cyclones?
Don't get too comfortable. The schedule doesn't get easier.
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The team heads back to Ames to host UCF on Tuesday, January 20. If you’re planning on going to Hilton Coliseum, expect a rowdy one. The fans know this team is special, even with the occasional hiccup.
After that, it’s back on the road to Stillwater to face Oklahoma State. The Big 12 is a gauntlet. There are no "off" nights. If the Cyclones keep playing defense like they did today in the second half, they’ll be just fine.
Keep an eye on the injury report. Tamin Lipsey looked like he tweaked something late in the game, but he stayed in. His health is basically the barometer for this team's ceiling. If he's 100%, they can beat anyone in the country. If he's hobbled, things get a lot tighter.
Check the official Iowa State Athletics site or the Big 12 app for updated tip-off times for the UCF game. The rankings will update on Monday, and despite the Kansas loss, this win against Cincinnati should keep the Cyclones firmly in the top five.