AMES, Iowa (Interstat) — In a tense, physical rematch that came down to the final possession, Iowa State survived a furious second-half rally from Baylor to secure a 72-69 victory in a Big 12 Conference men’s basketball game Saturday at a sold-out Hilton Coliseum.

The win improved the Cyclones to 21-2 overall and marked their second victory over the Bears this season, following a 70-60 win in Waco on Jan. 7. Baylor fell to 13-10.

The game’s defining sequence, and its most important part, unfolded in the final minute with Iowa State clinging to a 70-69 lead. After a missed free throw by Iowa State’s Joshua Jefferson with 3:04 left, the score remained frozen for over two minutes of frantic, scoreless basketball featuring turnovers, steals and missed opportunities for both sides.

Baylor guard Tounde Yessoufou finally broke the drought, stripping Iowa State’s Tamin Lipsey and converting a fast-break dunk to pull the Bears within one point with 1:45 remaining. The Cyclones responded on the next trip, with Lipsey sinking a clutch mid-range jumper to push the lead back to three at 72-69 with 1:12 on the clock.

Baylor had multiple chances to tie in the final minute. Cameron Carr, who led all scorers with 24 points, missed a contested 3-pointer. After an Iowa State turnover, Yessoufou was fouled on a drive with 48 seconds left but missed both free throws. The Bears got the ball back immediately when Yessoufou stole the ensuing inbounds pass, but Carr’s driving layup was blocked by Iowa State’s Killyan Toure.

The Cyclones then missed the front end of a one-and-one with 18 seconds left, giving Baylor one final shot. Out of a timeout, Obi Agbim’s potential game-tying 3-point attempt from the top of the key rimmed out. Yessoufou grabbed the offensive rebound and his desperation turnaround 3-pointer at the buzzer was off the mark, allowing Iowa State to escape.

The frantic finish contrasted with a first half largely controlled by the Cyclones, who led 37-33 at intermission. Iowa State built its advantage through dominance in the paint, outscoring Baylor 38-24 inside, and by capitalizing on second chances with 12 offensive rebounds. The Cyclones also attempted 19 free throws to Baylor’s nine, making 12.

Milan Momcilovic led Iowa State with 21 points, including a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line, and added five rebounds. His steady scoring, particularly in the first half, provided a crucial foundation. Lipsey, the Ames native, delivered a pivotal all-around performance with 14 points, nine rebounds and three assists, often answering Baylor runs with key baskets. Joshua Jefferson contributed 15 points, five rebounds and four assists.

For Baylor, Carr’s 24 points came on 9-of-21 shooting, including four 3-pointers. Yessoufou added 17 points, three rebounds and a game-high four steals, while Agbim chipped in 15 points. The Bears hung tough by forcing 13 Iowa State turnovers, converting them into 11 points, and by hitting 11 3-pointers to Iowa State’s six. However, Baylor’s 6-for-9 performance at the free-throw line, including the two critical late misses, proved costly.

The game was a defensive struggle with both teams posting efficient offensive ratings just above 110. Iowa State shot 50 percent from the field (27 of 54) while Baylor shot 45.6 percent (26 of 57). The Cyclones’ ability to generate more attempts from the line and secure key offensive boards ultimately provided the narrow margin of victory in a game that saw 10 ties and 11 lead changes.

Iowa State, which entered as a 15-point favorite according to sportsbooks, saw the total points of 141 fall well under the pregame over/under line of 151.5. The Cyclones will look to continue their strong season on the road at Texas Christian on Tuesday. Baylor, which has lost three of its last four, returns home to host BYU on Tuesday.