Iowa State’s unbeaten squad faces a massive test Monday. The No. 16 Cyclones square off against No. 14 St. John’s in Las Vegas. The Players Era Championship matchup tips off at 3:30 PM CT. Iowa State enters with a perfect 4-0 record and elite scoring.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Iowa State is 4-0 this season, averaging 85+ points per game
- St. John’s sports a 3-1 record after losing to Alabama 103-96 on Nov. 8
- Game broadcasts live on truTV from Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas
- Iowa State is just 2-7 all-time in Las Vegas games
- Series tied 1-1 with most recent ISU win in 2022
What Happened in the Regular Season
Iowa State absolutely dominated through its first four contests of the 2025-26 season. The Cyclones haven’t just won—they’ve demolished opponents. Each game saw them score 85 or more while shooting 50% or better from the floor.
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Star playmaker Tamin Lipsey and forward Joshua Jefferson have been putting on a clinic. Both scored 75+ points on crazy efficient shooting early on. This offensive firepower is elite by any measure.
Coach T.J. Otzelberger’s crew has been ranked between the two preseason polls all week. They’re heading to Vegas looking sharp and confident. But now comes the hardest test yet.
Who Are Iowa State’s Top Players
Tamin Lipsey runs the point. The guard dropped 76 points at 57.7% efficiency so far. He’s also dishing assists and creating offense at an insane level. Lipsey landed on the Bob Cousy Award watch list.
Joshua Jefferson powers the frontcourt. Through four games, the forward has 75 points at a ridiculous 67.5% from the floor. He’s versatile, athletic, and tough to guard. Karl Malone Award voters are watching him.
Milan Momcilovic provides wing depth. The forward earned Julius Erving Award watch list honors. All three players made preseason all-star teams—a rare feat across the nation early in the season.
What About St. John’s
| Team Stat | Iowa State | St. John’s |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 4-0 | 3-1 |
| AP Ranking | No. 16 | No. 14 |
| KenPom Ranking | No. 8 | No. 16 |
| Coach | T.J. Otzelberger | Rick Pitino |
| Preseason Ranking | Not ranked top 5 | No. 5 (highest in SJU history) |
St. John’s came into the season with sky-high expectations. The Red Storm landed the nation’s top-ranked transfer class. They won 31 games last season and captured the BIG EAST Tournament title.
But they dropped their league opener to Alabama on Nov. 8, losing 103-96 at home. Legendary coach Rick Pitino is in his third year rebuilding the program. His tenure has delivered fast—the team looks loaded with playmakers.
Head-to-Head History and This Matchup
These teams have met just twice before. St. John’s won way back in 1948 with a 71-47 victory. Then Iowa State got revenge in 2022 during the Big 12/BIG EAST Challenge, winning 71-60 at home.
So the series is tied. This marks the first time the schools will meet in a neutral setting. Playing in Las Vegas adds intrigue here. Iowa State has struggled on the Strip historically at 2-7 all-time.
The Players Era Championship format means this game determines tournament seeding. Iowa State absolutely needs to keep its unblemished record intact. Any loss would shift the narrative hard.
Vegas Vibes and Tournament Context
The Players Era brings 18 elite teams together. All 18 squads play Nov. 24-25. Then the bracket resets for championship matchups. So this first game is crucial.
Iowa State hasn’t played in Vegas since 2012. The team typically competes in Feast Week tournaments. Under Otzelberger, they’ve reached seven championships in twelve Feast Week events.
But winning streaks at neutral sites matter. The Cyclones need to prove this 4-0 start translates against ranked competition of this caliber. St. John’s brings tournament experience from Pitino and elite transfers.
Can Iowa State Stay Perfect?
The Cyclones enter as favorites thanks to their hot start. Their shooting and scoring efficiency is genuinely elite for November. Lipsey orchestrates the offense while Jefferson dominates inside.
But here’s the thing—St. John’s lost to top-ranked Alabama by just 7 points. The Red Storm can score with anyone when clicking. Zuby Ejiofor, Bryce Hopkins, and Ian Jackson all bring serious talent from the transfer portal.
Experts predict Iowa State wins this matchup. But St. John’s is dangerous enough to pull an upset. Who steps up when pressure hits hardest? Do the Cyclones keep rolling with their red-hot efficiency? Or does Vegas serve as a reality check?
Watch the game:
Sources
- Iowa State Athletics – Official game primer and team statistics
- ESPN/AP Poll – Rankings and team ratings
- Players Era Championship – Tournament format and schedule
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.