In a thrilling contest on Wednesday night, No. 2 Iowa State triumphed over No. 9 Kansas with a score of 74-57, marking their 12th consecutive victory. Curtis Jones was the star of the game, pouring in 25 points as he stepped up in his second start of the season, filling in for injured forward Milan Momcilovic, who is sidelined indefinitely with a left hand injury.
The Cyclones, now boasting a record of 15-1 and 5-0 in the Big 12, showcased their depth and resilience as Jones not only excelled but also shot an impressive 5 of 6 from beyond the arc. His strong performance followed a season-high 26 points against Texas Tech, demonstrating his ability to shine in critical moments.
Dishon Jackson also made a significant impact off the bench, tying his season high with 17 points, while Joshua Jefferson recorded his sixth double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Iowa State head coach T.J. Otzelberger reached a notable milestone with this victory, tying Johnny Orr for the most wins against top-10 opponents in school history, emphasizing the program’s growth under his leadership.
On the other hand, Kansas struggled despite Zeke Mayo’s 17 points, facing challenges with 17 turnovers and being outrebounded 43-33. Head coach Bill Self expressed disappointment with his team’s competitiveness, highlighting a need for a better understanding of the game’s demands.
This victory also marked Iowa State’s third consecutive win over Kansas at home, extending their remarkable home win streak to 28 games. The Jayhawks attempted a late rally, cutting a 12-point deficit to just five, but the Cyclones’ strong defense and rebounding sealed the game.
Looking ahead, Iowa State will face West Virginia on Saturday, while Kansas will host Kansas State. With both teams eager to maintain their respective positions in the competitive Big 12, the next games promise to be just as intense.
This match exemplifies not only Iowa State’s rising prowess in collegiate basketball but also the unpredictable nature of the sport, reminding fans that any game can turn the tide for a team’s season. The Cyclones are looking to continue their impressive run, showing that they are contenders this year in the Big 12.