Senior night send-off: Iowa State’s 24-0 second half blitz buries Sun Devils
· Yahoo Sports
For 20 minutes, Arizona State threatened to spoil the Senior Night festivities at Hilton Coliseum. Carrying a 41-37 lead into the locker room, the Sun Devils looked poised to play spoiler. But early in the second half, the “Hilton Magic” didn’t just appear—it overwhelmed.
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Roughly two minutes into the second half, the Cyclones ignited a staggering 24-0 run. It was a defensive masterclass that left Arizona State searching for answers for nearly eleven game minutes. By the time the Sun Devils finally stopped the bleeding, a tight contest had been transformed into a blowout, fueled by a relentless Cyclone defense that turned turnovers into 25 points.
The Heart of the Program: Tamin Lipsey and Joshua Jefferson
On a night dedicated to their impact on the program, Lipsey and Jefferson ensured their final regular-season moments in Ames were unforgettable.
• Tamin Lipsey: The Ames native and longtime heartbeat of the program was the primary catalyst for the second-half turnaround. His ability to spearhead the perimeter defense sparked the transition game that fueled the 24-0 run. His curtain call late in the second half was a fitting tribute to a player who has truly embodied the “Cyclone Way” throughout his career.
• Joshua Jefferson: Jefferson provided the veteran poise and physical presence that allowed Iowa State to seize control. His consistency throughout the season has been a cornerstone for this roster, and his performance tonight was a perfect summary of what he has meant to this team: efficient, tough, and ready when the lights are brightest.
Efficiency vs. Volume
The final score of 86-65 is fascinating when you look at the box score. Both teams actually shot reasonably similarly from the field and from deep. However, the Cyclones simply created more opportunities. By forcing mistakes and staying aggressive on the glass, Iowa State lived on the margins, outworking a Sun Devil team that couldn’t match their second-half intensity.
Onward to March
With the regular season now in the rearview, the Cyclones finish with an impressive 25-6 record. The victory over Arizona State provides the perfect momentum boost as the team heads south.
The focus now shifts from the magic of Hilton to the bright lights of the Big 12 Tournament in Kansas City. From there, the Big Dance awaits. If the Cyclones can bottle the defensive intensity they showed during that 24-0 second-half blitz, they are going to be a nightmare for anyone they meet in March Madness.