In a shocking turn of events, Kansas dominated No. 7 Iowa State 84-63 at Allen Fieldhouse, pulling off a monumental upset that will send shockwaves through the college basketball landscape. The Jayhawks, ranked 15th in the nation, were not given much of a chance against the Cyclones, who boasted an impressive 18-2 record coming into the game. However, Kansas had other plans, as they dismantled Iowa State with a stifling defense and a balanced offense.
The game got off to a disastrous start for Iowa State, as they managed just 23 points in the first half, trailing Kansas 44-23 at the break. The Jayhawks' defense was relentless, forcing the Cyclones into tough shots and limiting their scoring opportunities. On the other end, Tre White was unstoppable, scoring 19 points and grabbing 10 rebounds to lead Kansas to a convincing victory. White's double-double was a key factor in the Jayhawks' success, as he dominated the paint and controlled the glass.
Iowa State's Joshua Jefferson tried to keep his team in the game, scoring 12 points and grabbing 8 rebounds, but it was not enough to overcome the Jayhawks' onslaught. Kansas's Darryn Peterson and Melvin Council Jr. also chipped in with 16 and 15 points, respectively, as the Jayhawks' offense clicked on all cylinders. The Cyclones, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm, shooting just 36% from the field and committing 15 turnovers.
The loss is a significant setback for Iowa State, who were looking to solidify their position as one of the top teams in the nation. Instead, they will have to regroup and refocus after being handed their second loss of the season. For Kansas, the win is a massive boost to their resume, as they picked up a Quadrant 1 victory over a top-10 team. This win will undoubtedly improve the Jayhawks' chances of making a deep run in the tournament, as they continue to build momentum and confidence.
With this result, Kansas improves to 15-5 on the season, while Iowa State falls to 18-3. The Jayhawks' victory is a reflection of their strength and depth, as they were able to take down a highly-ranked opponent without breaking a sweat. As the season wears on, Kansas want to build on this momentum and make a push for the top spot in their conference. For now, they can bask in the glory of a monumental upset that will be remembered for weeks to come. The win is a huge resume booster for Kansas, as they add a Quadrant 1 victory to their portfolio, while Iowa State will have to bounce back from a Quadrant 1 loss, which could impact their tournament seeding down the line.