Iowa State Holds No. 3 Spot in AP Top 25 Basketball Poll

AMES, Iowa — Iowa State maintained its No. 3 ranking in the latest AP Top 25 men’s basketball poll released Monday, marking the fifth consecutive week the Cyclones have held the prestigious spot. The team’s strong start to the Big 12 season, including a dominant 74-55 victory over then-No. 25 Baylor, solidified its position among the nation’s elite programs.

The Cyclones (12-1, 2-0 Big 12) showcased their defensive prowess and offensive efficiency in their win over Baylor, never trailing and leading by as many as 25 points. Head coach T.J. Otzelberger emphasized the team’s aggressive play in the paint as a key factor in their success. “When you’re the more aggressive team, teams have to collapse,” Otzelberger said. “That’s where the looks from three come.”

Iowa State’s defense held Baylor to just 24% shooting from three-point range, well below their season average of 38%. The Cyclones also outrebounded and outhustled their opponents, a hallmark of Otzelberger’s coaching philosophy. “We can win in so many different ways, even if we don’t turn people over,” he said. “Our defense comes first, and that’s what happened tonight.”

The Cyclones’ No. 3 ranking ties the program’s highest-ever position in the AP poll, a milestone they first achieved earlier this season. Their 26-game home winning streak at Hilton Coliseum, tied for the second-longest in the nation, has been a significant factor in their success. “We’ve got everything we need,” said guard Curtis Jones. “Good players at every position, depth, and people who want to win.”

Meanwhile, other Iowa teams struggled to gain traction in the poll. Drake, which had been receiving votes in recent weeks, fell out of contention after an 0-2 week. Iowa’s three-game winning streak ended with a historic offensive performance by Wisconsin, and Northern Iowa suffered its first conference loss to Valparaiso.

Iowa State’s next challenge comes Tuesday against Utah, as they look to extend their home dominance and solidify their standing as one of the nation’s top teams.