Momcilovic's 8 3-pointers, Jefferson's triple-double lead No. 3 Iowa State past Mountaineers 80-59

News > Sports News

Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson (5) looks to pass the ball over West Virginia guard Chance Moore (13) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

West Virginia guard Treysen Eaglestaff, left, fights for a loose ball with Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) — Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson (5) looks to pass the ball over West Virginia guard Chance Moore (13) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Audio By Carbonatix

8:49 PM on Friday, January 2

By ZANDER WHITE

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Milan Momcilovic made eight 3-pointers and scored 26 points, Joshua Jefferson had a triple-double and No. 3 Iowa State beat West Virginia 80-59 in its Big 12 opener Friday night.

The Cyclones' 14-0 start matched the 2013-14 team for the best in program history.

Iowa State broke open a close game late in the first half, going on a 20-7 run that Blake Buchanan started and finished with dunks.

Jefferson had 10 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists to become the ninth player in Iowa State history to record a triple-double. Buchanan finished with 14 points and Tamin Lipsey had 12.

Chance Moore led the Mountaineers (9-5, 0-1) with 17 points.

Momcilovic, who entered the game second in the nation in 3-point shooting at 53.7%, missed only two attempts from distance and finished with at least eight 3s for the second time this season.

The Mountaineers have lost five of their six matchups against power conference opponents.

Up Next

West Virginia hosts Cincinnati on Tuesday.

Iowa State visits Baylor on Wednesday.

___

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball