Iowa State basketball: 3 takeaways from the Cyclones’ win vs. TCU

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AMES − How about that spacing?

In Milan Momcilovic’s first game since Jan. 11, Iowa State basketball had one of its best shooting performances of the season, defeating TCU, 82-52, on Saturday.

Curtis Jones had a game-high 24 points. Momcilovic had 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting, which included a 4-of-6 clip from long range. Dishon Jackson added 14 points and five boards. Joshua Jefferson recorded another double-double, finishing with 13 points, 10 boards, two steals and two blocks.

Iowa State (18-5, 8-4 Big 12 Conference) led from start to finish and pulled away from TCU with a 20-9 run to close the first half.

Here are three takeaways from the Cyclones’ win:

More: Hines: Iowa State basketball returns to form with Milan Momcilovic’s return to Cyclones

Milan Momcilovic returns from hand injury, plays in first game

Momcilovic practiced for the first time on Thursday, but his prospects for a return to game action were still unclear.

Given the quick turnaround, a return for the TCU game seemed unlikely. But on Saturday morning, it was reported that Momcilovic was indeed suiting up and playing for the Cyclones.

Momcilovic was showered with applause when he made his entrance for warmups and the crowd cheered every made shot.

“What I wanted to do is wake up today and as we went through our game day practice and see was there swelling?” Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger said. “How did he feel after two straight practices? Where was his head at mentally? Then, once we felt good that he was going to play − there’s a certain rhythm to our team with how we sub and all that − to me, it was a no-brainer to put him back into the starting lineup.”

He had a quiet first half, but scored all 14 of his points in the second half.

More: Iowa State basketball: Cyclones cruise to win vs TCU, Milan Momcilovic returns from injury

“Just good to be back on the court with my teammates,” Momcilovic said. “I felt ready to go, so I played. First half, I was just a step slow, a little rust. That’s going to happen…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/iowa-state-basketball-3-takeaways-120434249.html

Author : The Des Moines Register

Publish date : 2025-02-09 12:04:00

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