Men’s basketball knocks off Iowa

Elliott Fifer

Since opening in 1971, there has been a lot of basketball played at Hilton Coliseum.

In front of an announced sell-out crowd of 14,376 on Saturday, Iowa State (4-4) earned their 400th victory inside Hilton, winning 56-47 over rival Iowa (6-5) and giving second year coach Greg McDermott his first win over an intrastate opponent since coming to Iowa State.

“It will always mean a lot because it means so much to our fans. I grew up in the state of Iowa, I grew up in Hawkeye country and I understand how much it means to the folks over there,” McDermott said of the rivalry. “It’s nice to finally contribute in some way to the Cy-Hawk.”

At halftime, ISU athletic director presented head football coach Gene Chizik the Cy-Hawk trophy for beating Iowa in football, much to the delight of the Cyclone faithful. The Cyclones clinched this year’s HyVee Cy-Hawk series on Friday with a victory over Iowa in swimming, and now lead 16-3.

On the hardwood, the Hawkeyes struggled all game long, shooting just 32.1 percent in the game and 28.6 percent from the perimeter. Iowa State had similar troubles shooting, but was aided by making 20-of-27 free throws in the contest.

Senior Jiri Hubalek led the Cyclones with a season-high 15 points. Fellow senior Rahshon Clark contributed 14 points, and Craig Brackins and Wesley Johnson each chipped in nine points.

The Hawkeyes were led by forward Jarryd Cole with 15 points and nine rebounds.

McDermott said that with the lingering injury to Johnson and Hubalek having struggled to find an offensive rhythm thus far this season, Saturday’s win was a good sign for his team.

“This was Jiri’s best game offensively coming off his injury. Wesley obviously isn’t himself yet, and he’s one of our other best offensive players,” McDermott said. “We have to find other ways to win, and today we did.”

Hubalek fouled out in the late stages of the game. Before leaving the floor, he lingered at center court, clapping his hands and pumping up the crowd before heading to the bench.

“This is what it’s all about, to play in front of a crowd like that,” he said. “I’ve dreamed about it all my life, playing basketball in front of nobody at the gyms. This is a dream come true.”

Iowa Coach Todd Lickliter thought the Cyclones fed off of the crowd-particularly on the defensive end-to help them play an intense game and stifle the Hawkeyes’ offense.

“I always compliment a good crowd and a good atmosphere. I don’t know that that should affect the way that we play but I think it is enjoyable if you’re the team that’s receiving the cheers and encouragement,” Iowa coach Todd Lickliter said. “I didn’t feel that we received a lot of cheers and encouragement today.”

“I think that what coach McDermott does is very good and I respect the program. I expected to have to play well to be successful and we didn’t,” he added.

Next up for the Cyclones is a home date with Bethune-Cookman on December 17. The team will then travel to the Findlay Toyota Las Vegas Classic December 19-23 before returning for a three-game home stand starting December 30 against Albany. Big 12 play begins January 12, when Iowa State travels to Waco, Texas to play Baylor.