MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Tulsa leads Iowa State 21-17 at halftime of the 2012 Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tenn.

Iowa State took no time at all putting the first points on the board. A 26-yard connection from Sam Richardson to Josh Lenz set up a 33-yard field goal to put the Cyclones in the lead early, 3-0.

After respective three-and-outs by Tulsa and Iowa State, Jeremy Reeves took an interception back 31 yards for a touchdown, putting Iowa State ahead 10-0.

On the ensuing drive, Tulsa went 75 yards to put its first points on the board with a 2-yard rush by Alex Singleton.

Wasting no time, Richardson connected with Ernst Brun on a 69-yard strike on only the second play of the drive, putting Iowa State ahead 17-7.

The 69-yard touchdown was the longest of Brun’s career as well as the seventh-longest in Liberty Bowl history.

The Cyclones struggled slightly for the remainder of the first quarter, allowing Richardson to be sacked twice in the one set of downs. 

An ISU punt from its own end zone would set the Golden Hurricane up for a quarterback keeper by Cody Green on the first play of the second quarter. Tulsa got within striking distance of the Cyclones, down 17-14.

Struggles continued for the Cyclones through the second quarter. The defense allowed Singleton his second touchdown of the afternoon, another 2-yard rush giving Tulsa their first lead of the game 21-17.

Neither team got within scoring distance until about four minutes left in the half when Iowa State kicker Edwin Arceo missed a 34-yard field goal wide right. 

That would do it for the first half of the 2012 Liberty Bowl. Richardson finished the half 8-of-16 with 121 yards and one touchdown.