Iowa State knocked off No. 8 Texas Tech on Wednesday in Lubbock, Texas, to improve to 3-2 in the Big 12.

Cyclones play smart

Iowa State came into Wednesday’s game averaging just over 10 turnovers per game, the lowest mark in the Big 12. That didn’t change against Texas Tech’s top-notch defense.

The Cyclones didn’t record a single turnover in the first half and ended the game with nine turnovers.

Texas Tech is one of the best teams in the nation at forcing turnovers thanks to its in-your-face defense. Iowa State’s lack of turnovers helped the team finish the first half with a 41-33 lead. Those 41 points are the most any team has scored on Texas Tech in a half this season.

Offensive outburst

Iowa State poured in points at a high rate. The Red Raiders were second in the nation in points allowed at 54 points per game, which the Cyclones eclipsed at the 10:14 mark of the second half.

Iowa State shot 14-of-31 (45.2 percent) from the floor in the first half and hit 4-of-16 3-pointers (25 percent). The Cyclones hit 9-of-12 free throws (75 percent) as well. That, combined with the lack of turnovers, gave the Cyclones an edge.

Redshirt senior Marial Shayok and redshirt junior Michael Jacobson led the Cyclones with 20 and 14 points, respectively. Shayok shot 6-for-14 and Jacobson went 6-for-10.

Cyclones finish strong

Iowa State had its previous game against Kansas State all but wrapped up before a poor finish let the Wildcats walk out of Hilton Coliseum victorious.

The Cyclones made sure lightning didn’t strike twice. Iowa State led by five with 3:53 to play in Lubbock and finished strong, closing out the Red Raiders in the final minutes.

Shayok hit key free throws down the stretch to help Iowa State close out the game.