Iowa State routs Kansas, snaps Jayhawks eight-game winning streak in Darryn Peterson's return after illness
CBS Sports
by
Kyle Boone
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Iowa State delivered a dominant performance, defeating No. 9 Kansas 74-56 in front of Darryn Peterson’s return after missing a game due to illness. The Cyclones’ stifling defense and balanced offense led to their largest margin of victory against Kansas in Ames, snapping the Jayhawks’ eight-game winning streak and shaking up the Big 12 title race. Iowa State’s second-half surge, highlighted by Milan Momcilovic’s 18 points and a team effort that included four players scoring at least 11 points each, proved too much for Kansas to handle.
Defensively, Iowa State held Kansas to its second-lowest field goal percentage of the season (38.5%) and forced 13 turnovers. The Jayhawks’ star freshman Darryn Peterson struggled with 10 points on 3-of-10 shooting and three turnovers, likely impacted by lingering illness that kept him out of practice leading up to the game. Kansas coach Bill Self acknowledged the challenges his team faced, citing both Peterson’s conditioning and the overall lack of sharpness from his squad.
The victory not only marked Iowa State’s biggest win over Kansas in Ames but also tied for its second-largest margin of victory against the Jayhawks. The Cyclones’ balanced performance, combined with their defensive intensity, showcased their growing prowess in the Big 12. With this win, Iowa State moved to within one game of league leaders Arizona and Houston, tightening the race for the conference title.
The game’s outcome was particularly notable given the contrasting fortunes of both teams heading into the matchup. Iowa State had lost a tough road game at TCU earlier in the week, while Kansas had defeated top-ranked Arizona just days prior. The result underscored the unpredictability of the Big 12 season and highlighted the importance of upcoming games, including a clash with Houston and a key match against Arizona.
This victory could also boost Iowa State’s chances in the NCAA tournament selection process, potentially elevating them to a higher seed with continued success. For Kansas fans, the loss serves as a reminder that even
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/14/2026