The Iowa State Cyclones secured a convincing 73-57 victory over the Kansas State Wildcats in a regular-season matchup at Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan, Kansas. Led by a stellar performance from Curtis Jones, who contributed 24 points, the Cyclones never trailed throughout the game, showcasing their dominance on the court. With this win, Iowa State improved to 23-8 overall and concluded the Big 12 season with a solid 13-7 record, setting the stage for their upcoming postseason endeavors. On the other hand, Kansas State finished the regular season with a 15-16 overall record and a 9-11 mark in Big 12 action.
Dominant Display
From the opening tip-off, Iowa State asserted its presence by capitalizing on opportunities inside the paint, establishing an early lead of 8-2 within the first few minutes of the game. The Cyclones’ defensive prowess was on full display as they held the Wildcats scoreless for a significant stretch, building a comfortable 13-6 advantage with just over 11 minutes left in the first half. A quick 7-0 run further extended their lead to 11 points, setting the tone for the remainder of the game.
Jones emerged as a standout performer in the first half, notching 10 points to help Iowa State secure a 34-26 lead heading into halftime. The Cyclones’ ability to convert turnovers into a substantial 14-0 advantage in points off turnovers showcased their efficiency on both ends of the floor. Maintaining their momentum in the second half, Iowa State surged ahead by as many as 17 points, courtesy of a 9-0 run that firmly placed them in control of the game.
Stellar Performances
Curtis Jones delivered a stellar performance, finishing with 24 points while displaying remarkable accuracy from the free-throw line, shooting an impressive 11-for-12. His impactful contributions played a pivotal role in Iowa State’s commanding victory. On the opposing side, David N’Guessan led Kansas State with 19 points, showcasing his scoring prowess with an 8-for-10 shooting performance.
In a noteworthy statistic, Iowa State remained undefeated this season when Curtis Jones eclipsed the 20-point mark, underscoring his significance to the team’s success. Head coach T.J. Otzelberger continued to make his mark by securing his 42nd conference win, a feat that solidified his coaching legacy at Iowa State. Additionally, the Cyclones snapped a two-game losing streak in Manhattan, highlighting their resilience and ability to bounce back from setbacks.
Closing the Game
As the final buzzer sounded, Iowa State celebrated a well-deserved victory, propelled by standout performances from key players like Curtis Jones and a solid team effort. Looking ahead, the Cyclones are set to participate in the Phillips 66 Big 12 Championships in Kansas City, Missouri, where they will enter as the No. 5 seed. Their upcoming matchup against the winner of the 12th and 13th seed promises to be another exciting chapter in their quest for postseason success.
Stay tuned as the Iowa State Cyclones continue their journey in pursuit of championship glory, fueled by their recent triumph and unwavering determination to excel on the basketball court.
