Iowa State's high-powered offense was on full display at Bramlage Coliseum, as the Cyclones throttled Kansas State 95-61. The 34-point margin of victory far exceeded the predicted 10.7-point spread, a reflection of Iowa State's dominance. CHD Scout's pre-game prediction correctly picked Iowa State as the winner, but the actual margin was nearly three times larger than expected.
The Cyclones came out firing, taking a 50-21 lead into halftime. Kansas State's P.J. Haggerty did his best to keep the Wildcats in the game, scoring 23 points and grabbing 9 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to stem the tide. Iowa State's balanced attack, which featured five players in double figures, proved too much for Kansas State to handle. Joshua Jefferson led the way for the Cyclones, posting an impressive all-around line of 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Milan Momcilovic and Tamin Lipsey also made significant contributions for Iowa State, scoring 18 and 16 points, respectively. Lipsey's 9 assists were a key factor in the Cyclones' ability to move the ball effectively and find open shooters. Kansas State, on the other hand, struggled to find any rhythm on offense, aside from Haggerty's efforts. David Castillo and Andrej Kostic chipped in with 11 and 8 points, respectively, but it was a tough night for the Wildcats as a whole.
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Final
The second half was more of the same, with Iowa State continuing to push the pace and Kansas State struggling to keep up. The Cyclones' 45-point second half was more than enough to secure the win, and they ultimately emerged with a 34-point victory. This result had real consequences for both teams' tournament resumes. For Kansas State, the loss was a Quad 1 opportunity that slipped away, leaving the Wildcats with a 10-12 record and a net ranking of 86.
On the other hand, Iowa State's win was a Quad 2 victory that helped solidify their position as one of the top teams in the country. With a 20-2 record and a net ranking of 5, the Cyclones are firmly in the mix for a high seed in the NCAA tournament. This dominant performance will only help to bolster their case, and they want to continue their strong play as the season enters its final stretch. As it stands, Iowa State's resume is looking stronger by the day, and they are poised to make a deep run in the tournament.