Iowa State has equaled its best start in program history with an 83-60 victory against Akron in the semifinals of the Diamond Head Classic in Hawaii on Monday evening.

The Cyclones (10-0) used a 28-9 second half run to defeat Akron (6-3), advancing to the championship game Wednesday night in Hawaii. The win matches the best start in program history, when Iowa State started 10-0 during the 1996-97 season.

Iowa State’s lead was cut to 42-41 with 17:06 remaining in the game when the Zips’ Pat Forsythe made a layup. The Cyclones went on a 28-9 run during the next 10-plus minutes to take a 70-50 lead and control of the game.

Four ISU players reached double-digit point totals for the Cyclones in the win, led by sophomore forward Georges Niang, who scored a game-high 22 points on 4-of-5 shooting beyond the arc.

Melvin Ejim scored 21 points and brought in 12 rebounds and Dustin Hogue scored 18 points in the win. DeAndre Kane added 15 points to go with 11 rebounds and five assists.

The trio of Ejim, Niang and Hogue combined for a total of 61 points in the victory, making 20 of their 28 field goal attempts, eight of nine 3-pointers and 13 of 14 free throws. 

Iowa State will play in the Diamond Head championship game Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN2 against Boise State.