ISU Jumps Kangaroos

If you want to put a positive spin on #14 Iowa State's 73-56 win over UMKC, it's that Fred Hoiberg and staff will have plenty of teachable moments to work with. After getting out to a hot start that saw the Cyclone lead balloon to 21 points, Iowa State lollygagged through the remainder of the game, only occasionally showing glimpses of fire and life.

Iowa State simply out-talented the Kangaroos on a night where not a lot came easy. Bryce Dejean-Jones had his second straight hot shooting night, leading the Cyclones in scoring with 22 points on 9-12 shooting (2-4 from deep). It was his third 20-point effort on the year.

The 73 points were the second lowest point total of the year for Iowa State and Monte Morris was the only other Cyclone to join Dejean-Jones in doubles figures, as he chipped in 13.

Georges Niang didn't have a great scoring night, contributing only 9 points, but he did dish out 7 assists and grabbed 7 rebounds. Niang only took 4 shots, which is the lowest amount he's attempted since early in his freshman year. Naz Long wasn't much of a factor in the scoring column either, hitting only 3-11 shots, including 2-10 from outside. Dustin Hogue had a better game on the boards, grabbing 6, but only hit 3-6 from the stripe, continuing his struggles from the line. Hogue finished with 9 points.

Abdel Nader had his best game as a Cyclone, scoring 8 points and pulling down 5 rebounds while coming off the bench. Nader showed some of that versatility we've heard about, running the floor and exploding at the rim. Daniel Edozie continued to play solid minutes in relief as he scored 4 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Matt Thomas and Clayton Custer also came off the bench, though neither scored. Custer was a surprise entrant, coming into the game early in the first half to give Morris a breather.

As a team, Iowa State connected on 46.4% of their field goals, but was a little icy from outside, hitting only 7-24 from deep (29.2%). The Cyclones also dished out 18 assists, but turned it over 14 times.

Defensively, Iowa State fed off of 16 UMKC turnovers and held the Kangaroos to 41.5% shooting. UMKC only attempted six free throws on the night and the 56 points given up was the lowest point total of the year for an Iowa State opponent.

UMKC was clearly overmatched and Iowa State managed to grind out a 17-point win despite going through the motions. The Mayor only has to show a few minutes of game film here and there to get this team's full attention heading into Friday night's battle in Iowa City. That game will tip off at 7 PM and will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network.