The Kentucky Wildcats are set to face the Iowa State Cyclones in a rematch of their 2012 second-round game, as they aim for another trip to the Sweet 16.
Can the Wildcats get back-to-back regional semi-finals?
The Wildcats will face a tough challenge against one of the best defensive teams in the country. Highlighting this matchup can make Iowa State supporters feel proud and confident in their team’s strength. Eager to see how Kentucky responds to Cyclones’ aggressive style of play. Iowa State ranks 4th in the country in turnover percentage defense, as well as 10th in steals.
On Friday afternoon, star forward Joshua Jefferson suffered an ankle injury during the win over the Tennessee State Tigers. Currently, Jefferson is listed as doubtful to play. The Cyclones do have a few other players to watch as well, who will take on the role left by Jefferson’s absence.
2. Milan Momcilovic – F
3. Blake Buchanan – C/F (Junior Transfer from Virginia)
On Friday, during the opening of the March Madness, Otega Oweh delivered one of the best March Madness moments in history, and one that will stick with Kentucky fans forever. The miracle shot with the Wildcats trailing 73-70, Oweh took off from midcourt and slung up a heave and banked off the glass, and the rest is history.
The history-breaking game and points were a monumental moment for Oweh, who scored 35 points, grabbed eight rebounds, dished seven assists, and recorded two steals. Becoming the second player in history since Larry Bird (1979) to post such a line in an NCAA tournament game.
A March Madness legend and one that will go down as the most beloved Wildcat of all time.
The one thing missing from a March run has been Collin Chandler’s play. In March, he’s been missing in games and not hitting shots. When he has the offensive game rolling, he becomes a weapon, but the shots haven’t been falling.
In the home win against the Vanderbilt Commodores, Chandler hit 6-of-8 threes in his career‑high 23‑point game vs. Vanderbilt. When the Wildcats need a shot, Chandler has delivered, and for Kentucky to advance, his three-point shooting needs to return.
With Chandler spacing, Aberdeen creating, and Oweh attacking downhill, Kentucky can beat anyone. Without that trio clicking, they’re vulnerable.
The Wildcats are riding some momentum into their game with the Cyclones after the overtime win. A win over Iowa State would turn the narrative, showing resilience after a tough season. Kentucky is an underdog, but a victory over a top opponent and reaching back-to-back Sweet 16s would fill the Big Blue Nation with pride and confidence.
The season hasn’t gone the way Pope envisioned, but the momentum is there to flip the script. Despite the inconsistency on offense, defensive breakdowns, the close games, and the fact that Kentucky is struggling on the recruiting trail right now, with zero 2026 recruits. The fanbase is at an all-time high. A win would do wonders on Sunday.
Sunday in St. Louis will define the season. Either Kentucky punches its ticket to a second straight Sweet 16, or they head into an offseason full of questions.
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