The Lowdown

Iowa State (16-5, 5-5 Big 12) took a 26-point lead into the locker room and never looked back en route to a 84-65 win against Kansas State (9-12, 3-7 Big 12) on Saturday. The Cyclones avenged an 80-74 loss in Manhattan, Kan. earlier this season.

Nicole “Kidd” Blaskowsky made her first start this season and drained four first-half 3-pointers to spark the early ISU lead, finishing with 13 points. She made four 3-pointers in the first match-up against the Wildcats.

Nikki Moody (20), Hallie Christofferson (15) and Jadda Buckley (14) joined Blaskowsky in double-digit point totals. 

Turning Point

Leading 18-10 with just under 11 minutes to play in the first half, the Cyclones went on a quick 13-0 run before outscoring the Wildcats 27-9 in the rest of the period to take a commanding 26-point lead into halftime. Iowa State never led by less than 14 points the rest of the game. 

X Factor

Nikki Moody — The junior was the do-it-all player as she led the team in scoring, rebounding and assists. Moody finished with 20 points on 5-of-6 shooting, eight rebounds and seven assists. She provided consistency throughout the first half, going on a nine-point scoring run late in the first half to distance the Cyclones from Kansas State.

By the Numbers

11 — 3-pointers made by the Cyclones

18 — Assists on Cyclone baskets

23 — Points off the bench by Iowa State

43 — Total fouls called between the two teams