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No. 3 Iowa State May Get Tamin Lipsey Back for Opener vs. Lipscomb
MILWAUKEE — Third-seeded Iowa State is preparing for its NCAA Tournament opener against No. 14 Lipscomb on Friday, but the Cyclones will have to do so without a key piece of their lineup.
Iowa State Adjusting Without Gilbert
The Cyclones (24-9) will be without starting guard Keshon Gilbert, who missed four of Iowa State’s last seven games with a groin injury. Head coach T.J. Otzelberger confirmed that Gilbert will not return this season, regardless of how far the team advances.
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“With Keshon, we decided that he needs to focus on his rehab and getting his body back right, so he won’t be available as we move forward.” — T.J. Otzelberger
Gilbert was a third-team All-Big 12 selection and averaged 13.4 points and 4.1 assists per game. However, Iowa State could receive a boost with the expected return of starting guard Tamin Lipsey, who missed the Big 12 Tournament loss to BYU.
“He’s progressing well and each day he’s getting better, so we fully anticipate he’ll be ready to go for our game on Friday.” — Otzelberger
Curtis Jones, who scored 31 points in the Big 12 Tournament, leads Iowa State with 17.1 points per game, while Joshua Jefferson adds 13.0 points and a team-best 7.4 rebounds.
Lipscomb Aiming for Upset
Lipscomb (25-9) secured its first NCAA Tournament berth since 2018 after defeating North Alabama 76-65 in the Atlantic Sun Conference title game. The Bisons boast a balanced scoring attack, averaging 79.3 points per game with five players in double figures.
Head coach Lennie Acuff understands the challenge ahead against a tough defensive team like Iowa State.
“Iowa State is a really good team and a tough opponent, and we are looking forward to playing them.” — Lennie Acuff
Jacob Ognacevic, the ASUN Player of the Year, leads Lipscomb with 20.1 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. He is joined by Will Pruitt (13.2 ppg, 5.9 rpg) and Joe Anderson (12.5 ppg), who has a team-best 77 three-pointers this season.
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Key Matchup Factors
Lipscomb has thrived when winning the rebounding battle, going 19-1 in those games. However, Iowa State’s size and athleticism could present a significant challenge. The Cyclones average 80.4 points per game while allowing just 68.1, and their ability to control tempo could be the deciding factor.
For those following March Madness betting strategies, this game presents an interesting contrast between Iowa State’s defensive strength and Lipscomb’s efficient offense.
