The Lowdown

Facing its biggest test of the season, No. 9 Iowa State defeated No. 7 Baylor in convincing fashion at Hilton Coliseum on Tuesday night. 

The Cyclones (14-0, 2-0 Big 12), playing their first top-10 matchup since February 2001, used a second half run to pull away from the Bears (12-2, 0-1) for an 87-72 victory in front of a sold out crowd. 

DeAndre Kane led the way for the Cyclones in the win scoring 30 points. Melvin Ejim added 18 points in the victory as the duo combined to go 19-of-32 from the field for 48 of the Cyclones’ points. 

Turning Point

With 13:59 remaining in the game, Iowa State led Baylor 52-48. That’s when ISU sophomore guard Naz Long hit a 3-pointer to extend the lead to seven points. The Cyclones went on an 11-3 run from there, to take a 63-51 lead, which they never relinquished. 

X Factor

DeAndre Kane — Kane has drawn national recognition in recent weeks, and Tuesday night against the seventh-ranked Bears he showed why.

The senior guard scored 30 points, dished out nine assists and brought in eight rebound in the Iowa State victory. Kane had 17 of Iowa State’s 40 first half points and shot 11-of-18 from the field, including 2-of-4 beyond the arc. 

By the Numbers

12 — Baylor remains winless in games played at Hilton Coliseum all-time, moving to 0-12 with Tuesday’s loss in front of a sold out crowd. 

14 — The win moves Iowa State to 14-0 on the season, which is the longest winning streak in ISU history after the Cyclones tied the 13-game mark with their win against Texas Tech last weekend.