PHOTO COURTESY OF IOWA STATE ATHLETICS - The Iowa State men’s basketball team applauds after learning of its draw for the NCAA Tournament during a Selection Sunday watch party on Sunday at Johnny’s inside Hilton Coliseum in Ames.

TIMES-REPUBLICAN

AMES — The Cyclones got the No. 2 seed they deserved.

Iowa State men’s basketball was presented with its path in the NCAA Tournament at a watch party at Johnny’s inside Hilton Coliseum on Selection Sunday, drawing a first-round matchup with No. 15 seed Tennessee State.

The Cyclones (27-7) will face Tennessee State (23-9) on Friday at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, with Iowa State seeking to advance past the opening round for the first time since its 2024 Sweet 16 run.

ISU head coach T. J. Otzelberger said the focus for the Cyclones remains the same regardless of seeding or opponent.

“We’re excited for the opportunity to compete in the NCAA Tournament,” Otzelberger said. “Our guys have continued to improve and grow throughout the year, and the best thing for us right now is getting back to work and preparing to play our best basketball.”

Iowa State earned the high seed after a strong regular season and a run to the semifinals of the Big 12 Conference tournament. The Cyclones have been among the nation’s most consistent teams, leaning on defense and balanced scoring throughout the year.

Senior guard Tamin Lipsey and forward Joshua Jefferson have been key leaders for the Cyclones. Jefferson earned All-Big 12 first-team honors this season, while Lipsey landed on the conference’s all-defensive team.

Forward Milan Momcilovic also received all-conference recognition after emerging as one of the team’s primary scoring threats and among the country’s best 3-point shooters.

Otzelberger said the team’s improvement over the course of the season has positioned it well for the postseason.

“I think we’re at a point in the year where our guys are continuing to improve,” he said. “Our best is still in front of us, and I’m excited to get back to work with our group.”

Tennessee State enters the tournament after winning the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament, securing the program’s first league tourney title since 1994.

The teams have met four times previously, with Iowa State winning each matchup. Their most recent meeting came in 2009, when the Cyclones earned an 84-53 victory.

Despite the historical edge, Otzelberger emphasized the importance of approaching every tournament opponent with urgency.

“We know in March that everyone is capable,” he said. “You have to bring the right focus and compete at the highest level every possession.”

Iowa State begins its quest for the program’s first Final Four appearance since 1944.