**Iowa State Cyclones Dominate Arizona State, 76-61, Behind Curtis Jones’ Career-High 33 Points**
TEMPE, ARIZONA – In a thrilling college basketball showdown on Saturday, the Iowa State Cyclones triumphed over the Arizona State Sun Devils with a final score of 76-61. Senior guard Curtis Jones stole the spotlight with a remarkable offensive performance, scoring a career-high 33 points to propel ISU to victory. This win marks Iowa State’s 17th victory of the season, with a stellar 7-1 record in the Big 12 conference, while Arizona State now stands at 11-8 overall and 2-6 in the Big 12.
**Jones’ Stellar Performance**
Jones’ outstanding display on the court was nothing short of spectacular, as he surpassed his previous career high of 32 points with a deep three-pointer in the closing moments of the game. Notably, this game marked the second consecutive outing where an Iowa State player scored 30 or more points, following Joshua Jefferson’s career-best 30-point game against UCF. The Cyclones achieved a rare feat as different players scored at least 30 points in back-to-back games for the first time since 2021.
**Second-Half Comeback**
After trailing by seven points at halftime, Iowa State launched a remarkable comeback in the second half, seizing the lead with nine minutes remaining in the game. The Cyclones further solidified their dominance by outscoring the Sun Devils 19-3 down the stretch, ultimately clinching a commanding 15-point victory. Jones led all scorers with 33 points and contributed seven rebounds, showcasing his versatility and impact on the court.
**Key Players Shine**
Aside from Jones’ stellar performance, Joshua Jefferson played a pivotal role for the Cyclones, securing his eighth double-double of the season with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and four steals. Keshon Gilbert also made significant contributions, finishing with 12 points and two steals. On the opposing side, Arizona State’s Adam Miller was the sole player to reach double figures with 13 points, as freshmen Joson Sanon and Jayden Quaintance faced early foul trouble, hindering the Sun Devils’ offensive rhythm.
**Gameplay Analysis**
The game saw a slow start for Iowa State, with the Cyclones overcoming an initial 0-5 deficit to even the score at nine-all. Throughout the first half, ISU and ASU traded baskets, with the Sun Devils taking a one-point lead at 23-22 with six minutes remaining. Arizona State closed out the first half with a strong 10-3 run, entering halftime with a seven-point advantage.
**Crucial Second-Half Moments**
Coming out of halftime with renewed energy, Iowa State swiftly closed the gap and eventually took the lead with nine minutes left in the game. A back-and-forth battle ensued until a pivotal three-pointer by Gilbert ignited a game-changing run that secured the Cyclones’ victory. Jones and Gilbert’s clutch performances in the final minutes sealed the win for Iowa State, showcasing their resilience and determination.
**Notable Achievements**
Iowa State’s impressive performance extends beyond this game, with the team boasting a 29-7 record when ranked in the Top 5 nationally. Head coach T.J. Otzelberger continues to lead the Cyclones to success, tying Larry Eustachy for the eighth-most road wins in program history. Additionally, Curtis Jones’ remarkable consistency in scoring double figures in 22 consecutive Big 12 regular-season games highlights his impact and leadership on the court.
**Looking Ahead**
The Cyclones are set to face off against Arizona in their next challenge on Big Monday, aiming to carry forward the momentum from their victory over Arizona State. With the team’s stellar record and standout performances, Iowa State remains a force to be reckoned with in college basketball. Tune in to ESPN on Monday night at 9:30 to catch all the action as the Cyclones continue their quest for success.
