Hilton Coliseum is buzzing again — and this time, it’s not just the wind in Ames. The No. 16 Iowa State Cyclones open their 2025–26 season at home against the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights, a program that made national headlines two years ago as the ultimate Cinderella after their shocking 2023 March Madness upset over Purdue.
But that was then. This is Ames — a fortress where T.J. Otzelberger’s Cyclones are built to defend, disrupt, and dominate.
Fairleigh Dickinson may arrive with fresh faces and an up-tempo identity, but Iowa State’s “Hilton Magic” is alive and well — especially with one of the most disciplined defensive teams in the Big 12.
The spotlight shines on Tamin Lipsey, the Cyclones’ floor general and preseason Bob Cousy Award nominee, who’s working back from an MCL injury. Whether he suits up or not, this opener will offer a first glimpse at Iowa State’s new mix of athleticism, depth, and defensive grit that could make them a dark-horse contender in March.
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📺 Where to Watch Iowa State vs. Fairleigh Dickinson ? (Nov 3, 2025)
| Detail | Information |
| Date | Monday, November 3, 2025 |
| Tip-Off (Local) | 7:00 PM CT |
| Venue | Hilton Coliseum – Ames, Iowa |
| TV / Stream | ESPN+ / Fubo |
| Capacity | 14,356 |
| Tickets | Available on Vivid Seats |
💸 Betting Odds
| Market | Line | Odds |
| Spread | Iowa State -35.5 | -110 |
| Total (O/U) | 148.5 | O -110 / U -110 |
| Moneyline | Iowa State -10000 / FDU +2000 | — |
Implied Score: Iowa State 92, FDU 56
🔢 Team Breakdown
🌪 Iowa State Cyclones
2024–25 Record: 25–10 (13–7 Big 12)
Head Coach: T.J. Otzelberger (5th Season, 89–43 record)
Few teams in the nation embody “defense-first” quite like Iowa State. Last season, the Cyclones ranked top 25 in adjusted defensive efficiency (KenPom) and forced over 15 turnovers per game, thriving on relentless pressure, quick rotations, and physical perimeter contests.
But it’s not all grit — Iowa State’s offense was quietly efficient, shooting 48.3% from the floor (23rd nationally) and averaging 80.3 PPG.
🔍 Key Returners:
| Player | Pos | 2024–25 Stats | Notes |
| Tamin Lipsey (G) | Jr | 10.6 PPG, 4.7 APG, 2.0 SPG | Questionable (knee); elite floor vision and defense |
| Joshua Jefferson (F) | Sr | 13.0 PPG, 7.4 RPG | Versatile scorer and leader in the frontcourt |
| Milan Momcilovic (F) | So | 11.3 PPG, 39.6% 3PT | Floor-spacing sniper; major sophomore leap expected |
| Nate Heise (G) | Sr | 8.4 PPG, 4.2 RPG | Defensive captain; “sets the tone” per Otzelberger |
With Lipsey’s status uncertain, freshman Killyan Toure has become a preseason standout. In exhibitions vs. Northwestern and Creighton, he showcased poise beyond his years — 11 points, six boards, five assists, and three steals against Big Ten-level competition. Expect him to see extended run, especially if Iowa State pulls away early.
Offensively, Iowa State’s focus will be on ball movement and balance. Defensively, it’s about “kills” — the program’s signature metric: three straight defensive stops = one kill. Last season, the Cyclones averaged 6.7 kills per game, an elite number by their standards.
🔒 Defensive Snapshot:
| Metric | Value | National Rank |
| Opp. FG% | 42.0% | 76th |
| Opp. 3PT% | 33.6% | 119th |
| TO Forced | 15.2 per game | 32nd |
| Steals per Game | 8.6 | 18th |
At home, Iowa State held teams to just 64.9 PPG — the definition of a Hilton lockdown.
⚔️ Fairleigh Dickinson Knights
2024–25 Record: 13–20 (8–8 NEC)
Head Coach: Jack Castleberry (3rd Season, 25–38 record)
The Knights are scrappy, undersized, and unafraid to run. They press for 40 minutes, shoot threes early in the clock, and rely on volume over precision. But their revamped roster — featuring 12 new players — is a mystery heading into Ames.
🔍 Key Additions:
| Player | Pos | Previous School | Scouting Note |
| Cyril Martynov (C) | 7’0” | Eastern Kentucky | Stretch big, good hands, raw footwork |
| Taeshaud Jackson (F) | 6’8” | Northern Colorado | Double-double threat, powerful rebounder |
| Joey Niesman (G) | 6’4” | McKendree (D-II) | Two-way guard, led D-II in steals (7 in one game) |
| Noah Melson (G) | 6’2” | Chattanooga | Veteran guard, high motor, streaky shooter |
Defensively, FDU’s strength lies in their perimeter pressure. They ranked 18th nationally in opponent 3PT% (30.3%), but their rebounding and rim protection are massive question marks. Against a team with Iowa State’s size and depth, that’s a dangerous combination.
🧮 Efficiency Snapshot:
| Metric | Stat | National Rank |
| PPG | 73.7 | 185th |
| Opp. PPG | 73.2 | 213th |
| 3PT% | 33.6% | 202nd |
| Turnovers Forced | 12.7 | 143rd |
Expect FDU to gamble on steals — but if they don’t connect, it’ll lead to easy transition points for the Cyclones.
📈 Betting Insights & Trends
| Trend |
| Iowa State is 6–1 ATS in its last seven openers. |
| The Cyclones are 25–2 SU at Hilton Coliseum since 2023. |
| FDU is 1–6 ATS vs Top 25 opponents in its last seven matchups. |
| The Over is 7–3 in Iowa State’s last 10 November games. |
| FDU has allowed 80+ points in four straight road games. |
🎯 Prop Bets & Analytical Picks
| Prop | Pick | Odds |
| Cyclones Team Total Points | Over 90.5 | -115 |
| FDU Turnovers | Over 14.5 | -120 |
| First Half Spread | Iowa State -19.5 | -110 |
| Total 3PT Made (ISU) | Over 8.5 | +100 |
| Joshua Jefferson Rebounds | Over 8.5 | -105 |
Advanced Edge:
- Iowa State’s pace-adjusted offensive rating (112.3) last season would’ve ranked top 30 nationally if sustained.
- FDU’s effective field goal defense (eFG%) was 52.1%, one of the weakest among mid-majors. Expect Iowa State to exploit that mismatch in the paint.
🧩 Same Game Parlay (SGP)
| Leg | Selection | Odds |
| Iowa State -35.5 | ✅ | -110 |
| Under 148.5 Total Points | ✅ | -110 |
| Iowa State Over 8.5 Threes | ✅ | +100 |
| Jefferson Over 8.5 Rebounds | ✅ | -105 |
| Combined Odds: | +500 |
🔮 Final ClutchBuzz Iowa State vs. Fairleigh Dickinson Prediction
Fairleigh Dickinson’s fast pace may keep things interesting for a few minutes, but once Iowa State’s defense tightens, this should turn into a rout. Expect the Cyclones’ depth — especially their bench frontcourt — to take over midway through the first half.
If Tamin Lipsey plays, he’ll orchestrate early transition buckets and set the defensive tone. If not, Killyan Toure will get a baptism by fire — but one he’s ready for. The real story might be how much damage Joshua Jefferson and Milan Momcilovic do inside-out against FDU’s mismatched front line.
By the final buzzer, Hilton Coliseum will have its first taste of 2025–26 Hilton Magic — and FDU will have learned the hard way that there’s no friendly welcome in Ames.
Final Score Prediction: Iowa State 89 – Fairleigh Dickinson 56
Best Bet: Iowa State -35.5
Lean: Under 148.5
Bonus Play: Jefferson Over 8.5 Rebounds (-105)
