SPORTS

Iowa State Overcomes Kentucky, Secures Sweet Sixteen Berth

PUBLISHED Mar 22, 2026, 6:51 AM ET

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Sources: 6

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Sources: 6

St. Louis. Iowa State defeated Kentucky 82-63 in the NCAA Tournament Round of 32 on Sunday, with senior guard Tamin Lipsey scoring 26 points and recording 10 assists while Joshua Jefferson did not play due to a sprained left ankle. Iowa State advances to the Sweet Sixteen and will play in the regional semifinals this week; Kentucky’s season concluded at 22-13, coaches confirmed Jefferson’s absence, and local outlets reported fans and staff reacting to the tournament exit.

By Mahnoor A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Pre-tournament coverage noted Iowa State’s strong KenPom offense and defense rankings.
Joshua Jefferson suffered a sprained left ankle and was evaluated prior to the Round of 32.
Hindustan Times and others reported Jefferson officially ruled out before the matchup.
On Sunday, Iowa State beat Kentucky 82–63 with Lipsey recording 26 points and 10 assists.
Iowa State advanced to the Sweet Sixteen; Kentucky’s season ended at 22–13.

News Intelligence

This game's outcome impacts the NCAA tournament bracket, affecting your predictions and potential winnings. If you're a fan of either team, it's a significant emotional moment. For those who follow player stats, Lipsey's performance is noteworthy.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 6
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 6
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Iowa State benefited by advancing to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen and receiving national recognition for key performances, notably Tamin Lipsey's 26-point, 10-assist outing.