Iowa State Beats Kentucky to Advance, Latest March Madness Predictions amid Joshua Jefferson Injury

Despite losing star forward Joshua Jefferson to an ankle injury in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, Iowa State hasn't skipped a beat.

The second-seeded Cyclones tore through No. 7 Kentucky in an 82-63 win on Sunday to reach the Sweet 16 for the third time in the last five years.

Iowa State forced a whopping 20 turnovers in an impressive defensive performance. Senior guard Tamin Lipsey led the way with 26 points, 10 assists and five steals, while junior forward Milan Momcilovic added 20 points.

Fans on social media couldn't help but project the Cyclones as a potential Final Four team following their impressive win over the Wildcats:

Jefferson was one of Iowa State's best all-around contributors, with averages of 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.6 steals per game. He played just three minutes before suffering a sprained left ankle in the opening round against Tennessee State, but the Cyclones still rolled to a 108-74 win.

If Iowa State gets Jefferson back in the lineup, it would boost their chances of making a run to the Final Four even further. For now, Lipsey and Momcilovic appear comfortable leading the way for the Cyclones, who haven't made it past the Sweet 16 since 2000.

Iowa State will face the winner of No. 3 Virginia vs. No. 6 Tennessee on Friday as the team tries to elevate to new heights.