FORT WORTH, Texas – Iowa State (14-4, 3-2 Big 12) set a new Big 12 program standard Saturday afternoon, forcing a Big 12 program-best 27 turnovers on the road as it took down No. 19 TCU (13-5, 2-3 Big 12) by a score of 73-72.
Of TCU’s 27 turnovers, 18 were Cyclone steals, which tied the school benchmark for most steals in a Big 12 game. Seven of those steals came from Curtis Jones who is now tied for the second most in a single game in program history. His seven steals are tied for the second-most in a game in program history. Jones, along with Tamin Lipsey, have both recorded seven or more steals in a game this season, which is the first time it’s happened for the Cyclones.
ISU earned its 20th all-time road win over a top 25 opponent on Saturday as it nabbed its third consecutive win in Fort Worth over the Horned Frogs.
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Keshon Gilbert led the way for the Cyclones, scoring a team-high 20 points which was his fifth 20+ point outing of the year. Jones chipped in 17 points to pair with his seven steals while Milan Momcilovic also finished in double figures with 10.
The backcourt of Jones and Gilbert stepped up in a big way, as Lipsey – the team’s leader in scoring, assists, minutes and steals – did not play due to injury. Three Cyclones had four assists on the day, as Jones, Gilbert and Hason Ward led the team.
TCU saw three Frogs finish in double figures as the team put on a furious second half rally, outscoring the Cyclones by 17 in the second stanza, but came up short. Micah Peavy had 11 points and nine rebounds while Trevian Tennyson led the Horned Frogs with 19 points.
How It Happened
Iowa State came out of the gates hot, taking a seven-point lead into the first media timeout, up 11-4. A steal and finish from Jones and another steal from Jones with a lob from Gilbert to Demarion Watson pushed the Cyclone lead to 11 with 14:50 to go.
The Horned Frogs battled back, whittling the ISU advantage down to four by the 9:52 mark. Iowa State countered TCU’s run with one of its own, using an 11-2 spurt to take a 33-20 lead with just over six minutes remaining in the first half.
The Cyclones finished the half strong, continuing its torrent defense over the Frogs, taking an 18-point lead into the break, punctuated by a steal from Tre King in the final seconds which was capped off with a Gilbert layup as time expired, leading to a 44-26 halftime edge.
Iowa State finished the first half with 18 forced turnovers and 13 steals. ISU had more field goals made (18) than TCU had attempted (14).
TCU came out in the second half determined to right the ship, cranking off a 7-0 run to start the period, forcing an Iowa State timeout. The Cyclones, again, responded and pushed their lead back to 19 with 14:27 left – their largest lead of the game.
The Frogs cut the deficit to single digits with nine minutes remaining only to see Iowa State push its lead back to 15 at the 6:50 mark.
The game ended on a 20-6 run from the Horned Frogs over the final seven minutes of action, as TCU came up just short and Iowa State’s defense prevailed on the road in this battle of top 25 teams.
Top Performer
C. Jones played his most balanced game as a Cyclone this afternoon, shooting 50 percent from the field and 75 percent from the line to go with his seven steals and four assists.
Notes
Tre King made his 100th career start today.
Jackson Paveletzke pulled down his 100th defensive rebound today.
Demarion Watson went over 100 career rebounds.
Up Next
After splitting its two game road trip with a win in Fort Worth, Iowa State will return to the confines of Hilton Coliseum Wednesday, Jan. 24, to welcome the Kansas State Wildcats. Wednesday’s game is set to tip at 8 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN2.
