In a highly anticipated matchup, No. 2 Iowa State secured a commanding 74-57 win over No. 9 Kansas on Wednesday night, extending their winning streak to 12 games. Curtis Jones emerged as a standout performer for the Cyclones, scoring 25 points in his second start of the season, filling in admirably for the injured Milan Momcilovic.
Despite missing Momcilovic, Iowa State showcased their depth and resilience, with Jones leading the charge by making an impressive 5 of 6 shots from beyond the arc. Dishon Jackson also made a significant impact off the bench, tying his season high with 17 points, while Joshua Jefferson contributed a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds.
Head coach T.J. Otzelberger further solidified his coaching prowess by securing his 12th win against a top-10 opponent, tying a longstanding school record. The Cyclones' victory marked their third consecutive win against Kansas in Ames and extended their remarkable home win streak to 28 games.
On the other side, the Jayhawks struggled with turnovers and rebounding, committing 17 turnovers and being outrebounded 43-33. Despite a late push to narrow the deficit, Kansas was unable to overcome Iowa State's strong performance.
The key moment of the game came when the Jayhawks failed to secure a crucial rebound off a missed free throw by Jefferson, allowing the Cyclones to capitalize with a pivotal 3-pointer that ultimately sealed the victory.
Looking ahead, Iowa State will face West Virginia in their next matchup, while Kansas is set to host Kansas State on the same day. The Cyclones' impressive win over a top-ranked opponent solidifies their status as a force to be reckoned with in college basketball this season.
For more college basketball updates and news, stay tuned to AP Top 25 coverage throughout the season.
