Iowa State Cyclones Edge Tennessee Volunteers

0:00On March 27, the Iowa State Cyclones keep winning in the 2026 NCAA Tournament, despite major injury issues. They beat Tennessee State in the round of 64, with star 4 Joshua Jefferson playing under 3 minutes. Then they top Kentucky in the round of 32, without him at all, pulling away late for the victory. Now they face the number 6C Tennessee volunteers in the sweet 16 of the Midwest region. Jefferson's ankle injury from a week ago remains the top storyline. He is not practiced fully, but is fighting to return. Expect him to start and play about 4 minutes, scoring 2 baskets, grabbing 2 rebounds, and adding an assist before sitting out the rest. Both teams rely on tough defense and strong guard play, setting up a close battle inside. Tennessee holds a size edge on the boards with their big front court rotation, but Iowa State will keep the rebound margin under 8. The point guards, Tam and Lipsy for the Cyclones and Jacobi Gillespie for the volunteers, will combine for at least 50 points and 15 assists,

1:02draining 6-3 pointers while trading leads. Lipsy should have the edge with fewer turnovers, just 2 compared to Gillespie's 4. Iowa State's depth has proven reliable without a full strength Jefferson, and they match Tennessee's physical style from daily practices. The Cyclones pull out a narrow 68-64 win, punching their ticket to the Elite 8 against the Michigan or Alabama winner.