Iowa State gets blown out by #3 Kansas 71-91

Steve Prohm has decided to go with same starting lineup in the two most recent games without Tyrese Haliburton–and the trend continued tonight.

Iowa State shockingly came out of the gate firing from beyond the three point arc. Tre Jackson knocked down two, and Prentiss Nixon added one more. The Cyclones hot start led to a 9-3 lead and caused Kansas to call a timeout 2:07 into the game.

The Jayhawks answered by feeding Udoka Azubuike early and often. Their big man scored six quick points, while he also drew two quick fouls on Solomon Young putting the Cyclones big man on the bench 2:25 into the game. The game was tied at 11 heading into the first media timeout.

The three-point barrage continued. Nixon knocked down another one bringing his point total to six, and Terrence Lewis came off the bench and even knocked a three down himself, causing a 19-18 Cyclone lead.

Azubuike began to take over for the Jayhawks. The big man had two monster dunks to go along with a couple of big defensive stops, giving KU a 22-19 lead.

Iowa State kept making threes, yes you read that right. Michael Jacobson and Prentiss Nixon were stopping Kansas runs left and right. The Cyclones’ remarkable 9/11 three point shooting kept the Kansas lead at three with just under four minutes remaining in the half.

Unfortunately, Kansas began to make their threes. The Jayhawks grew the lead to 10 heading into the half, as Solomon Young oddly did not come back into the game after his early exit with two quick fouls.

Prentiss Nixon picked up right where he left off to begin the second half, by knocking down a quick three, to bring his point total to 12. Iowa State was remarkably 10/13 FROM THREE AND STILL LOSING.

Devon Dotson began to open the lead up for Kansas. He knocked down two threes himself, he then lead all scorers with 21 on the day. The Jayhawks lead by 13 with just under 15 minutes remaining.

Throughout the second half, Iowa State did its best to pull off the comeback, but they never got it closer than 12.

Ultimately, Kansas was able to play at the pace they wanted to–the entire second half. Devon Dotson was able to get to any spot he wanted to. The national player of the year candidate finished with 29 points on the night.

The only highlights of the second half for the Cyclones were George Conditt’s absolute POSTER with about six minutes remaining (unfortunately can’t find the video), and Prentiss Nixon racking up garbage points left and right, finishing the game with a season high 20 points. Kansas would finish the game wining 91-71.

The Cyclones will next host Texas Tech Saturday in Hilton.