The Lowdown

Iowa State used a big run and efficient shooting in the second half to put away Friday’s second-round game against North Carolina Central, 93-75

At halftime, a near buzzer-beating one-handed tip dunk from Dustin Hogue gave the Cyclones a 45-39 lead heading to the break. 

Through the first 12 minutes of the second half, Iowa State outscored the Eagles 33-19 to extend the lead to 78-58. 

Georges Niang led Iowa State with 24 before leaving late in the second half with an apparent right ankle or foot injury, which according to TNT, he was getting X-rays on.

Deandre Kane finished with 14 points, seven rebounds and five assists while Melvin Ejim added 17 and Dustin Hogue had 15. 

Turning Point

With Iowa State leading 59-50 with 13:50 left in the second half, North Carolina Central was hanging around. 

Then Iowa State used a 19-8 run to extend the lead to as many as 20 points at 78-58. From there Iowa State iced away the last eight minutes of the game. 

X Factor

Georges Niang — Niang scored an efficient 24 points on 9-of-14 shooting from the field and hit four of his five 3-point attempts. He also added six rebounds and four assists in the game. 

Niang left the ball game with 7:34 in the game and scored 15 in those 12:26 in the second half, helping spur the big run to put the game out of reach. 

By The Numbers

3 — It’s now been three-straight years that Iowa State has won its first game in the NCAA Tournament. Two years ago it was UCONN and last year was Notre Dame. 

63.6 — Iowa State made 63.6 percent of their field goals on the night. 

9 — Iowa State hit nine triples, one above their season average. 

21-35 — Iowa State had 21 assists on 35 made baskets.