The Lowdown

No. 13 Iowa State finished its nonconference schedule undefeated Tuesday with a 99-63 victory against Northern Illinois (5-6) in front of a sold out Hilton Coliseum. The win makes it the first time Iowa State (12-0) has went undefeated in nonconference games since 1956-57.

The Cyclones played with heavy hearts after the death of legendary ISU coach Johnny Orr on Tuesday morning, who Iowa State paid tribute to prior to tipoff. 

Iowa State scored 55 first half points, the second-most points in a half this season. DeAndre Kane led the way for the Cyclones, coming two rebounds shy of a triple double with 16 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds. 

Melvin Ejim and Naz Long each scored 17 points. Georges Niang added 14 points and Dustin Hogue and Monte Morris each scored 11 as six ISU players reached double figures. 

X Factor

DeAndre Kane — Two rebounds shy of the fifth triple-double in ISU history, Kane did it all for Iowa State in its rout of the Huskies. The senior guard scored his 16 points on 5-of-6 shooting and went 5-of-8 from the free throw line. 

Kane entered Tuesday averaging 14.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game.

By the Numbers

17 — The Cyclones are now 17-4 all-time in games played on New Year’s Eve. That includes a perfect 10-0 when those games have been at Hilton. 

12 — After setting the record for the best start in a season in school history by moving to 11-0 with a win against Boise State last week, a new mark was set at 12 with Tuesday’s victory. 

11 — Iowa State made 11 3-pointers in the victory led by sophomore guard Naz Long, who went 4-of-8 beyond the arc.