In a thrilling matchup at the Maui Invitational, the Iowa State Cyclones faced a heartbreaking defeat against Auburn, with a final score of 81-79. Despite a promising start and a comfortable 16-point lead at halftime, the Cyclones struggled in the second half, allowing Auburn to surge back with a powerful offensive display.
Keshon Gilbert was a standout player for Iowa State, scoring 23 points and marking a personal milestone by reaching 1,000 career points. His contributions, however, were overshadowed by a critical turnover with just 11 seconds remaining, which proved costly for the Cyclones. Johni Broome’s tip-in with only two seconds left clinched the game for Auburn, leaving Iowa State fans devastated.
Coach T.J. Otzelberger will likely focus on improving the team’s second-half performance, as they were outscored 50-32 after the break. The Cyclones’ defense, known for its resilience, faltered, which allowed Auburn to capitalize on their opportunities and ultimately secure the win. Keshon Gilbert’s aggressive play, including drawing a flagrant foul that led to a four-point swing, temporarily tied the game but was not enough.
Following this defeat, Iowa State’s record drops to 3-1, and they will next face the loser of the North Carolina-Dayton matchup on Tuesday evening.
Despite the loss, this game showcased Iowa State’s resilience and high level of competition. The Cyclones can use this experience to bounce back in their upcoming games and continue to grow as a team. With gifted players like Keshon Gilbert and Curtis Jones reaching significant milestones, there remains a positive outlook for the rest of the season as they aim to refine their game and tackle future challenges head-on.