NCAA Tournament Upset: Iowa State vs. Kentucky
In a decisive victory during the second round of the NCAA men’s tournament, Iowa State triumphed over Kentucky with a score of 82-63 on Sunday. The game featured standout performances from Tamin Lipsey and Milan Momcilovic. Lipsey recorded an impressive 26 points along with 10 assists and 5 steals, placing him among a select group of players who have achieved this statistical milestone in the history of March Madness, according to ESPN Research.
Historical Significance of the Loss
This loss signifies Kentucky’s most significant defeat in NCAA tournament history since 1972, when they faced a similar fate against Florida State in the Elite Eight.
Social Media Reactions
Following the Cyclones’ victory, former Iowa State player Tyrese Haliburton took to social media to mock some Kentucky alumni. His post on X highlighted the quirky shift in allegiance among former Wildcats following John Calipari‘s upcoming transition to Arkansas in April 2024. Haliburton humorously noted, “I went to text the guys who played at Kentucky about this game and forgot they think they’re Arkansas alum now,” referencing how some former Kentucky stars now seem to identify more with Arkansas due to their ties with Calipari.
Player Perspectives
Among the notable players, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who played under Calipari in the 2017-18 season, expressed his belief that either Arkansas or Kentucky would win the tournament during a recent interview with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Cason Wallace, another former Wildcat, echoed this sentiment, indicating a unified view among players connected to Calipari’s coaching now at Arkansas.
Alumni Connections
Additionally, P.J. Washington, a Wildcats alum, was seen visiting Calipari at Arkansas while sporting Razorbacks gear. Similarly, Reed Sheppard, another Kentucky alum, tried to pay homage to both schools by wearing an Arkansas shirt paired with Kentucky pants during a matchup earlier this season.
Haliburton’s Reflections
Haliburton, who played for Iowa State before declaring for the NBA draft in 2020, has enjoyed the attention that comes with his alma mater defeating a historically strong basketball program like Kentucky. This is especially significant since he himself was eliminated in the first round of the tournament during his lone March Madness experience in 2019. His comments reflect not just a personal victory but also a light-hearted jab at the shifting loyalties of former players in light of the coaching changes in collegiate basketball.
