TEMPE, Ariz. — In a compelling matchup, Curtis Jones elevated the game with an impressive 33 points, while Keshon Gilbert contributed significantly by scoring seven of his 12 points during a crucial stretch. This teamwork allowed No. 3 Iowa State to secure a decisive 76-61 victory over Arizona State on Saturday.

The Cyclones, now boasting a record of 17-2 and 7-1 in the Big 12, rebounded swiftly from a previous defeat against West Virginia. Just a few days prior, they had dominated UCF with a staggering 108-83 victory. However, against the tenacious Sun Devils, Iowa State faced a more challenging offensive early on, struggling to find their rhythm.

It took close to four minutes for Iowa State to score its first basket, ending the half trailing at 40-33. The tension escalated in the second half, with both teams exchanging leads until the Cyclones intensified their defense. They unleashed a formidable 19-3 run to close out the game, with Gilbert scoring seven consecutive points during this critical phase.

Joshua Jefferson also played a vital role for Iowa State, finishing the night with 13 points and securing 10 rebounds. Adam Miller led the scoring for Arizona State with 13 points, but the team was stymied offensively, managing to convert only one field goal in the final 6:39 of the game.

The key takeaway for Iowa State was the critical adjustment in their defensive strategy when it mattered most, commencing their first Big 12 desert road trip with a gritty win. Meanwhile, Arizona State, who previously pulled off an upset with a 65-57 win at No. 23 West Virginia earlier in the week, found themselves unable to cope with the Cyclones’ pressure as they recorded their fifth loss in six games.

A significant turning point occurred with 6:40 remaining when Basheer Jihad scored for Arizona State. This prompted Iowa State to tighten its defense, effectively forcing the Sun Devils to miss seven of their final eight attempts.

Arizona State struggled with ball control, racking up 18 turnovers that translated into 17 points for Iowa State, including four vital turnovers during the late stages of the game when the Cyclones pulled away.

Looking ahead, Iowa State is set to face Arizona on Monday night, while Arizona State will travel to Colorado for a matchup on Tuesday night.