Cyclones get past worthy K-State Squad

#9 Iowa State 77, Kansas State 71

Coming fresh off their College GameDay win, the Cyclones faced Kansas State in a game where the winner would have first place in the Big 12.

The Wildcats came into the game with the conference’s second worst overall record, but had lead the Big 12 standings after wins over TCU, TTU, and Baylor and Oklahoma on the road. On Tuesday, they showed those last two games we mentioned weren’t a fluke.

Kansas State approached the first half firing jump shots, contending with Cyclones throughout. However when K-State couldn’t miss, neither could Georges Niang. The Wooden Award watch-list’er went 5-6 from the field, including two three pointers on 12 points in the first half. However, Niang did not make another basket, besides two free throws.

Jameel McKay continued his dominance near the rim, erupting the crowd with one of his monster slams, of course waiting to be one-upped by Dustin Hogue and his dunking ability.

“We have a bunch of winners in this circle that make winning plays.” Georges Niang said.

Of course, Iowa State got the help to make that winning play, when Junior Abdel Nader made a block that Hoiberg later was quoted saying it was the play of the game. Hoiberg went on to say the crowd was unbelievable in the last ten minutes of the game.

Kansas State went on to try and foul the Cyclones and storm back late in the game, however it prevailed to be unsuccessful, as the Cyclones pulled away, making their free throws and closing another game out.

Big 12 Standings

1. Iowa State 14-3 (4-1 Big 12)
2. Kansas 15-3 (4-1)
3. Kansas State 11-8 (4-2)
4. Texas 14-4 (3-2)
5. West Virginia 15-3 (3-2)
6. Oklahoma 12-6 (3-3)
7. Baylor 13-4 (2-3)
8. Oklahoma State 12-5 (2-3)
9. TCU 14-4 (1-4)
10. Texas Tech 10-8 (0-5)

Main Picture Photo Credit:  Cyclones.com