It was just a two-point game (55-53) with under 10 minutes left in the game before the Cyclones came in with the upper cut. ISU then hung on to claim its third win over a ranked opponent this season.
ISU received a balanced effort in the win with six players in double figure scoring, led by Naz Long’s 20 points. Long was 3-of-6 from 3-point range, all in the second half. Georges Niang added 15 points and Monte’ Morris chipped in with11 points and 10 dimes to record his first career double-double.
Jameel McKay was outstanding from off the bench, posting 11 points and three blocks.
It was an incredible day for Iowa State basketball. The Cyclones hosted ESPN College GameDay in the morning for the first time in school history and the win over the Jayhawks capped off the perfect day.
Kansas took an early 18-14 lead while the Cyclones were struggling to find its range. ISU was just 5-of-19 from the floor to begin the game.
Niang’s 3-pointer sparked an 8-0 run for the Cyclones to put the home team up 22-18. Dejean-Jones had four points in the flurry. ISU maintained its lead at the break at 36-33 after Long scored on a drive in the closing seconds of the opening period.
Dejean-Jones had eight points and five boards in the first stanza to pace the Cyclones.
The Cyclones increased their lead with a hot start to the second half. Niang hit a trey on the first possession followed by bombs from Long and Dustin Hogue to give ISU a 15-6 run and a 51-39 lead.
ISU then went into a drought and the Jayhawks crept back into the game. KU answered with a 14-3 run to cut the Cyclone lead to 55-53 with 9:28 left in the game.
But the Cyclones soon came back with a vengeance. McKay scored six quick points – featuring two monster dunks – to kickstart a 16-4 ISU run, as the Cyclones jumped ahead 71-57 with 6:25 remaining. Niang and Long each hit a trey in the run.
The Jayhawks weren’t done. KU mounted a 13-3 run to close the gap to 74-70 with 1:54 left. The Jayhawks cut it to three points (82-79) with 0:29 seconds left, but Niang drew a key charge on a Wayne Selden drive moments later and the Cyclones hung on for the victory.
Monte’ Morris. Monte’ Morris was the glue to the Cyclone win. The sophomore recorded his first career double-double with 11 points and 10 assists, his fourth career game with 10 or more dimes. Morris also led the Cyclones with three steals and grabbed a career-high seven boards.
The Cyclones play host to Kansas State Tuesday night (Jan. 20) in Hilton Coliseum. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. CT on ESPN2.
