Marial Shayok Propels Iowa State To Big 12 Title Game

Iowa State is headed back to the Big 12 Tournament title game for the second time in three years after a gutsy 63-59 win over Kansas State.

The Cyclones started off the first half slow, going down by as much as seven but then they started to battle. Iowa State would fight off the turnover bug early and begin hitting shots and getting out in transition. Marial Shayok would convert a four point play after getting fouled on a three point attempt. Then the Cyclones took off on a 13-2 run to close out the first half and go into the break with a 35-25 lead. Shayok led the Cyclones with 11 points at the break.

To start second half, the Wildcats would come out firing and go on a 7-0 run couple with four early cyclone turnovers to close the gap to 38-35 after the first media timeout. Kansas State would tie the game after the media timeout but the Cyclones came right back to get the lead and both teams would trade blows and Iowa State would lead 43-42 after the under 12 minute media timeout.

Kansas State would impose their defensive will a bit and turnover the Cyclones more and grab a 49-45 lead. Steve Prohm quickly called a timeout to rally his troops. Iowa State in a bit of a field goal drought got two free throws from Marial Shayok and Kansas State would respond with a massive dunk before the media timeout, Kansas State would lead 51-47.

Iowa State would find themselves down five with 2:30 left in the game, enter Marial Shayok. The senior did not want to leave Kansas City a night early. Shayok hit two big time three pointers to give Iowa State the lead and the Cyclones did not look back.

Iowa State battle adversity and were able to overcome a second half punch from Kansas State. Iowa State will now be on to the title game to face the winner of Kansas and West Virginia. Marial Shayok led the way for Iowa State with 21 huge points.

Stay tuned for more coverage from the Big 12 Tournament.