Iowa State basketball: 3 takeaways from the Cyclones’ win over Kansas

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AMES − How does Iowa State men’s basketball deal with the increased level of expectations?

In a marquee matchup against Big 12 rival No. 10 Kansas, the newly minted No. 2 team in the country didn’t miss a beat in its first game since grabbing the highest ranking in program history.

The Cyclones defeated the visiting Jayhawks, 74-57, on Wednesday night.

The win extends the Cyclones’ winning streak to 12 straight, which is the longest in the country. They also picked up their 28th straight home win.

Curtis Jones led the way with 25 points, including a 5-of-6 clip from long range, and six rebounds. Dishon Jackson added 17 points off the bench. Joshua Jefferson finished with a 10-point, 12-rebound double-double. Tamin Lipsey also had 10 points. Keshon Gilbert chipped in seven points and eight assists.

Here are three takeaways from Wednesday’s win:

More: Iowa State basketball: Cyclones fend off Kansas in top-10 matchup

Cyclones clamp down on Kansas

Outside of Zeke Mayo’s team-high 17 points, no other Jayhawk scored in double figures.

Even then, Mayo had to work for his 17 points, as he shot 7-of-19 overall and 3-for-9 from long range. The next-highest scorer was Dajuan Harris Jr., who had eight points.

Hunter Dickinson, who entered Wednesday’s game averaging a team-best 15.8 points and 10.5 rebounds, never got into a groove offensively.

Dickinson tied his season-low scoring output, with six points on 3-of-10 shooting. He also committed four turnovers.

The Cyclones held Kansas to 24-of-59 (40.7%) from the floor and 5-for-16 (31.3%) from deep. They also forced 17 turnovers, which turned into 23 points on the other end.

Although Iowa State finished with a 17-point margin of victory, Kansas made several pushes throughout the second half. The Jayhawks trimmed the Cyclone lead down to three or five points on several occasions.

Iowa State never relinquished the lead over the final 20 minutes though and defense played a big part.

After being bullied on the glass against Texas Tech, the Cyclones…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/iowa-state-basketball-3-takeaways-115221417.html

Author : The Des Moines Register

Publish date : 2025-01-16 11:52:00

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