MANHATTAN, Kan. — Curtis Jones delivered a standout performance, scoring 24 points to propel No. 10 Iowa State to a 73-57 victory over Kansas State on Saturday.
The Cyclones, boasting a 23-8 overall record and 13-7 in Big 12 play, led from start to finish. They were also bolstered by Joshua Jefferson’s 14 points and Dishon Jackson’s contribution of 11 points.
Kansas State, with a record of 15-16 and 9-11 in the conference, was led by senior David N’Guessan, who managed 19 points. Dug McDaniel added 14 points to the Wildcats’ tally.
Shooting struggles plagued the Wildcats as they managed a mere 37.7% from the field and an inconsistent 9.5% from beyond the arc.
Reflecting on their previous encounter, Iowa State was keen to avoid a repeat of their early lead collapsing against Kansas State, which had resulted in an 80-61 loss and ended the Cyclones’ impressive 29-game home winning streak. This time, they established an 11-point advantage early in the first half and maintained control throughout.
For Kansas State, securing consistent performances remains a challenge, especially as they aim for any postseason opportunities.
A critical moment in the game came when Kansas State closed the first half strong with an 8-0 run, reducing their halftime deficit to 34-26. However, their momentum faltered in the second half. Despite narrowing the gap to 6 points, the Cyclones responded with an 11-0 run, achieving their largest lead of the game at that juncture.
The Cyclones capitalized significantly on Kansas State’s errors, gaining a 22-6 edge in points off turnovers, which proved decisive in their victory.
Both teams are set to participate in the upcoming Big 12 Tournament, with matchups to be announced later on Saturday.
