In a thrilling contest, Iowa State’s men’s basketball team suffered a heartbreaking defeat against Auburn with a final score of 81-79 in the Maui Invitational on Monday night. Iowa State, which had a strong first half, went to the locker room with a 49-33 lead. However, the second half proved to be a different story as the Cyclones were outscored 50-32, resulting in a tough loss for both the team and its fans.
Keshon Gilbert shined for Iowa State, leading all scorers with 23 points, and celebrated reaching 1,000 career points alongside teammate Curtis Jones. However, a critical turnover by Gilbert in the final seconds proved costly in the game’s outcome. The Cyclones’ defensive struggles in the second half, particularly against Chad Baker-Mazara, were a concern. Baker-Mazara scored 16 points during that period, helping to fuel Auburn’s comeback.
Iowa State’s head coach, T.J. Otzelberger, may have a restless night reflecting on the team’s defensive lapses, as they allowed a staggering 44 points in the final 18 minutes. The Cyclones shot poorly, managing just six field goals in the second half and facing a significant drop in offensive production.
Despite the setback, the Cyclones still have opportunities ahead, with their next game scheduled against the loser of the North Carolina-Dayton match on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. CT. The focus will be on regrouping and tightening their defense to bounce back from this narrow loss.
This game serves as a reminder that even in defeat, there can be valuable lessons learned for the team moving forward. There is potential for growth as the season progresses, and with the talent displayed early in the game, Iowa State fans can remain hopeful for future victories as the team seeks to refine their strategies and resilience.