GAMER: Cyclones upset No. 7 Michigan 77-70
Senior guard DeAndre Kane goes up for the shot against Michigan at Hilton Coliseum on Nov. 17. At half the Cyclones lead 35-34 with Kane scoring six points thus far.
November 17, 2013
The Lowdown
The ISU men’s basketball team rode an unexpected performance from senior forward Melvin Ejim, who was supposed to be sidelined until early December, to a 77-70 upset over No. 7 Michigan Sunday at Hilton Coliseum.
Ejim was considered a game-time decision leading up to the game and sported a brace during the game on his hyperextended left knee.
He finished with 22 points, nine rebounds and an assist on 8-14 shooting.
Sophomore guard Naz Long picked up where he left off, scoring 16 points on four 3-pointers and went 5-7 from the floor.
Five total Cyclones finished in double figures.
X Factor
Melvin Ejim — The preseason All-Big 12 senior wasn’t expected to make his season debut until early December and was considered a game-time decision.
Ejim finished with 22 points, nine rebounds and an assist on 8-14 shooting.
Turning point
With 2:10 left, Iowa State only led Michigan 69-68, but a seven straight points made it 76-68 and the Cyclones had the game firmly in hand.
Four straight on the run came from Georges Niang, followed by a free throw from Dustin Hogue and a pair of free throws from Naz Long.
By the numbers
22 — Points Melvin EJim scored in his season debut.
5 — The number of Cyclones that finished in double figures for scoring.
13/4 — The number of free throws the Cyclones made compared to the number Michigan made.
29 — The number of field goals both teams made.
1-0 — Iowa State’s record when Dick Vitale calls a game.