### Cincinnati's Stunning Upset: A Shift in the College Basketball Landscape Cincinnati's basketball team delivered a significant upset by defeating the previously undefeated No. 2 Iowa State, marking a pivotal moment in the Big 12 conference. The victory, with a final score of 79-70, not only ended Iowa State's 16-game winning streak but also highlighted the resilience and skill of the Cincinnati players, particularly Day Day Thomas, who led the scoring with 19 points. This game is crucial as it reflects the competitive nature of college basketball, where rankings can shift dramatically with a single match. *Iowa State's recent struggles raise questions about their performance consistency after a strong start to the season* [https://www.southernsportstoday.com/2026/01/18/top-25-roundup-cincinnati-knocks-off-no-2-iowa-state-loser-of-2-straight]. ### Breakdown of the Game's Key Elements 1. **Game Overview** - Cincinnati defeated Iowa State 79-70. - Day Day Thomas was the standout player with 19 points. - The game took place on January 17, 2026. 2. **Iowa State's Performance** - This loss marks Iowa State's second consecutive defeat after starting the season with 16 wins. - Milan Momcilovic scored a career-high 34 points but could not secure a win for his team. 3. **Cincinnati's Strategy and Execution** - Jalen Celestine contributed significantly with 12 points, including four 3-pointers. - Cincinnati's defense and rebounding were crucial, with Baba Miller grabbing 12 rebounds. 4. **Implications for Rankings and Future Games** - The loss may impact Iowa State's ranking and confidence moving forward. - Cincinnati's victory could boost their standing in the Big 12 conference. ### Supporting Data and Statistics - **Scoring Leaders:** - Day Day Thomas (Cincinnati): 19 points - Milan Momcilovic (Iowa State): 34 points - **Key Contributions:** - Jalen Celestine (Cincinnati): 12 points (4 three-pointers) - Baba Miller (Cincinnati): 12 rebounds, 8 points - **Game Context:** - Iowa State's record before the game: 16-0 - Current record after the game: 16-2 [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/no-2-iowa-state-loses-224234268.html, https://www.tsn.ca/ncaa/basketball/article/no-2-iowa-state-falls-to-cincinnati-for-second-straight-loss]. ### Conclusion: A Turning Point in the Season **Cincinnati's victory over Iowa State signifies a major upset in college basketball, showcasing the unpredictability of the sport.** 1. Cincinnati's strong performance, led by Day Day Thomas, highlights their potential as a competitive team in the Big 12. 2. Iowa State's back-to-back losses raise concerns about their ability to maintain their early-season momentum. 3. The outcome of this game could have lasting implications for both teams as they navigate the remainder of the season. This match serves as a reminder of the fierce competition in college basketball, where any team can emerge victorious on any given day [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/cincinnati_stuns_no_2_iowa_state_gets_signature_win/s1_17048_43346079].