Iowa State’s historic 15-0 start isn’t just a record—it’s a statement. Tamin Lipsey, the Ames native, is the heartbeat of a team that’s redefining Cyclones basketball with grit, leadership, and a relentless will to win.
WACO, Texas — Iowa State’s Tamin Lipsey isn’t just a point guard; he’s the embodiment of Cyclones basketball. The senior from Ames, who has started all 115 games of his career, is now leading Iowa State to uncharted territory: a perfect 15-0 start, the best in program history.
This isn’t just another winning streak. It’s a cultural shift. Lipsey, who grew up near campus, is etching his name into Iowa State lore. “I’ve been a Cyclone all my life,” he said after the team’s 70-60 victory at Baylor. “Watching all those teams growing up and just realizing that I have a chance right now to make a footprint for Iowa State… I never take that for granted.”
The Numbers Behind the Streak
Lipsey’s 24-point performance against Baylor was a masterclass in resilience. Despite early foul trouble that sidelined him for nearly eight minutes in the first half, he returned to dominate the second half with 20 points. His ability to overcome adversity is a microcosm of this Iowa State team.
- 15-0 start: Surpasses the 2013-14 team’s 14-0 record.
- 15-game winning streak: A new program best.
- One of six undefeated Division I teams: Alongside No. 1 Arizona, No. 2 Michigan, No. 10 Nebraska, No. 11 Vanderbilt, and Miami, Ohio.
Joshua Jefferson: The Perfect Complement
While Lipsey is the engine, Joshua Jefferson is the fuel. The senior forward, a transfer from Saint Mary’s, recorded his sixth double-double of the season with 19 points and 17 rebounds against Baylor. His long 3-pointer with five seconds left in the first half gave Iowa State its first lead—a momentum shift that sparked a 14-1 run to open the second half.
“A huge shot Joshua made just before the half,” said Iowa State head coach T.J. Otzelberger. “A huge momentum play that carried into that second half.”
A Team Built on Defense
Iowa State’s success isn’t just about offense. The Cyclones held Baylor to a dismal 18.8% shooting in the first half and 30.6% overall. This defensive intensity is a hallmark of Otzelberger’s system, and it’s why Iowa State is being mentioned alongside Michigan as one of the best teams in college basketball.
“Iowa State is a really good team,” said Baylor coach Scott Drew. “If you ask me, right now, today, them and Michigan are the two best in college basketball. They’re not going to beat themselves. They know exactly where they’re going to be, how they’re going to do things.”
Why This Season Feels Different
Iowa State’s 15-0 start isn’t just about the numbers. It’s about the culture. Lipsey, Jefferson, and Otzelberger have created a team that plays with a relentless intensity and a refusal to lose. This isn’t a fluke—it’s the result of years of building.
“I think these guys do such a great job at honoring all those who have come before us with the effort and the execution that they play with,” Otzelberger said. “It’s a great accomplishment. It’s a credit to the young men and how they work.”
For Lipsey, this season is personal. He’s not just playing for a record; he’s playing for his community. “Just got on the court four years ago,” he said. “Watching all those teams growing up and just realizing that I have a chance right now to make a footprint for Iowa State, and just the community of Ames and all of that, I never take for granted.”
What’s Next for the Cyclones?
With a 2-0 start in Big 12 play, Iowa State is positioned for a deep NCAA Tournament run. The Cyclones have already proven they can win in tough environments, like their victory at Baylor. If they continue to play with this level of discipline and defensive intensity, they could be a Final Four contender.
For now, though, the focus is on the next game. “We’re not going to beat ourselves,” Drew said. And with Lipsey leading the way, that’s a promise Iowa State is determined to keep.
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