The Tennessee State Tigers will look to defy the odds when they take on No. 2 seed Iowa State Cyclones men’s basketball in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament. Pulling off the upset won’t be easy—but if TSU can execute in a few key areas, the Tigers could put themselves in position to shock the bracket.
5 Keys For Tennessee State To Pull The Upset
1. Aaron Nkrumah must set the tone early
OVC Player of the Year Aaron Nkrumah is the engine of the Tigers’ offense. If Nkrumah can score efficiently while creating turnovers with his defensive pressure—he led the OVC in steals this season—TSU can keep the game competitive deep into the second half.
2. Three-point shooting has to travel
Travis Harper II led the OVC in three-point percentage, shooting 40.1% from beyond the arc. If the Tigers can knock down perimeter shots, they can help neutralize Iowa State’s size advantage while also allowing them to get their defense set.
3. Donte Harris must control the pace
Point guard Donte Harris led the conference in assists and assist-to-turnover ratio. The graduate floor general will be responsible for keeping the Tennessee State offense organized against the defensive pressure of Iowa State.
4. Defense has to create chaos
Tennessee State’s defensive intensity has been one of its biggest strengths this season. The Tigers led the OVC in total steals (300) and steals per game (9.38), while also forcing a league-high 469 turnovers.
Generating steals and converting them into transition points will be critical. Easy baskets in transition can help TSU score without having to consistently attack Iowa State’s half-court defense.
5. Play with nothing to lose
Historically, No. 15 seeds have produced several memorable upsets in the NCAA Tournament, and Tennessee State will enter this matchup with the freedom that comes with being the underdog.
5 Things To Know About Iowa State
1. They are one of the top defensive teams in the country
The Iowa State Cyclones men’s basketball are known for their aggressive defensive style, consistently forcing turnovers and limiting easy scoring opportunities.
2. Tournament experience matters
Iowa State has been a consistent participant in the NCAA Tournament, giving the Cyclones valuable postseason experience that often proves crucial in high-pressure situations.
3. Physical style of play
The Cyclones rely on a physical defensive approach and strong rebounding to wear opponents down over the course of the game.
4. Balanced scoring attack
Rather than relying on a single star, Iowa State utilizes a balanced offensive approach, with multiple players capable of contributing. The Cyclones have three players that averages double figures, Milan Momcilovic (17.1) , Joshua Jefferson (16.9 ) and Tamin Lipsey (13.3), as two players that averages at least 8 points per contest in Blake Buchanan (8.4) and Killyan Toure (8.1), This makes them difficult to defend and game-plan against.
5. Defensive pressure could dictate the game
If Iowa State is able to establish its defensive intensity early and force turnovers, it could disrupt the rhythm of the Tennessee State offense The Cyclones for a Big XII-leading 8.97 steals per game and forced a league most 15.3 turnovers per game. Limiting live-ball turnovers will be essential for TSU to remain competitive.
Prediction
The Tennessee State Tigers enter this matchup with momentum, confidence, and a backcourt capable of creating problems. With Aaron Nkrumah, Travis Harper II, and Donte Harris, TSU has the guard play needed to compete.
However, the defensive pressure and physicality of the Iowa State Cyclones men’s basketball present a significant challenge. Iowa State’s ability to force turnovers and control the tempo could ultimately be the difference.
If Tennessee State can protect the basketball and knock down perimeter shots, they have a legitimate chance to make things interesting late. But over the course of 40 minutes, Iowa State’s depth and defense may prove too much to overcome.
