Iowa State basketball dominates top-ranked Purdue in historic victory
The No. 10 Iowa State men’s basketball team delivered a stunning performance against the top-ranked Purdue, achieving an 81-58 victory. This win on December 6, 2025, marked a significant milestone as it tied the record for the largest home loss by a No. 1 team in history.
Iowa State’s Historic Victory Over Purdue
In their matchup, Iowa State shot an impressive 54 percent from the field. They entered halftime with a narrow four-point lead but dominated the second half, scoring 46 points. The Cyclones’ victory not only showcased their skill but also highlighted Purdue’s vulnerabilities, marking their first nonconference home loss in over six years.
Significant Records and Statistics
- Victory Margin: 23 points, tying the record for largest home loss by a No. 1 team.
- Largest Losses by No. 1 Teams:
Margin Winning Team Score Losing Team Date 41 No. 2 Kentucky 81-40 No. 1 St. John’s Dec. 17, 1951 32 No. 2 UCLA 101-69 No. 1 Houston March 22, 1968 30 No. 8 Florida 73-43 No. 1 Tennessee Jan. 7, 2025 28 No. 7 Iowa State 69-41 No. 1 Houston March 16, 2024 23 No. 10 Iowa State 81-58 No. 1 Purdue Dec. 6, 2025
Key Players in the Game
Milan Momcilovic stood out for Iowa State, scoring 20 points and hitting three 3-pointers. He was one of three players who contributed significantly to the team’s scoring. This victory against Purdue marked Iowa State’s third win over a No. 1 ranked team since 2022, which also includes victories against North Carolina and Houston.
The resentful experience for Purdue has officials and fans reconsidering the team’s path ahead as they analyze this unexpected performance in front of local spectators.
