Iowa State Cyclones Prepare for NCAA Tournament in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — The Iowa State Cyclones are gearing up for their NCAA Tournament appearance this week in Milwaukee, where they will face Lipscomb in the first round.

The excitement in the air is palpable, especially for the Momcilovic family, who have been closely following their son Milan, a sophomore guard for the Cyclones. Watching Selection Sunday unfold, they were thrilled to learn that Iowa State would play close to home, alleviating the burden of travel logistics.

“We weren’t expecting them to end up in Milwaukee, so it was pretty exciting,” said Nick Momcilovic. “We’re just happy we won’t have to stress about getting to and from the game.”

With the game being played at the Fiserv Forum, located about 20 miles from their Pewaukee home, the Momcilovics have transitioned from travel planning to securing tickets for friends and family eager to witness the action.

“Now we’re managing the ticket situation,” Nick added with a laugh. “That’s probably our biggest challenge right now.”

Milan Momcilovic has become a key player for the Cyclones over the past two seasons, starting 62 games since joining the team as a highly-touted recruit in 2023. His parents have been dedicated fans, attending nearly every game and providing unwavering support through the travel demands.

“It’s a surreal experience,” Nick reflected. “Not many people get to go through what we’ve experienced.”

The road trips take a toll, especially with a five-hour drive to Ames, Iowa, for home games. “That can get pretty tough,” Nick said, noting the lengthy overnight returns. “Coffee helps to keep me awake, but it’s all worth it.

“The sacrifices we make are minuscule compared to all the work Milan and the team put in.”

As the game nears, the Cyclones can count on their previous success in Milwaukee, where they have consistently performed well during NCAA appearances. “It’s exciting to return home,” Milan said. “Having lots of fans make the five-hour drive creates a home-court atmosphere for us.”

Meanwhile, Diante Garrett, formerly of the Cyclones and an NBA player, now serves on the coaching staff. Having never experienced March Madness as a player, he is thrilled to be part of it now and expresses immense pride in his alma mater’s accomplishments.

<p“I’m excited for the guys,” Garrett stated. “Being back in Milwaukee, where my journey began, feels great.”

Looking forward to their matchup, Iowa State head coach T.J. Otzelberger has instilled remarkable confidence in his squad, giving them the freedom to make plays and showcase their skills. “Our staff operates more like a team encouraging collaboration and ownership,” said assistant Kyle Green.

This season, the players have faced challenges, including injuries to key players. However, the Cyclones remain optimistic about their chances in the tournament, with Lipsey and others stepping up during critical moments.

<p"It's a roller-coaster season with a lot of ups and downs, but I feel like we’re at a good point right now," Lipsey said, ready to take on their opponent on Friday.

The high-stakes atmosphere of the NCAA Tournament presents a chance for the Cyclones to solidify their legacy. “No hardware won yet — this is a pivotal moment for us,” Jones remarked. “We have an opportunity to leave our mark.”