It was a big night for all the Cyclones in their 87-59 win over Missouri, but a single three-point shot by one guard in particular could be the defining play of the game.

With 1:08 left in the game, ISU reserve guard Ha-Keem “The Dream” Abdel-Khaliq pulled up from the top of the key to drain a three-pointer and give the Cyclones an 83-59 lead as the Hilton crowd rose to its feet with overwhelming cheering.

The fact that Abdel-Khaliq as well as several other reserve players were in the game is a true testament to how well the ISU team played. “That is the greatest feeling in the world,” Abdel-Khaliq said.

Cyclone shooting guard Dedric Willoughby was again hot from beyond the arc, going five for five from three-point land on his way to 22 points in the first half. “It’s getting to the point where I feel as though it doesn’t matter who is guarding me,” Willoughby said. Willoughby’s hot hand sparked an ISU offense that was dragging for most of the first half.

The game was tied at 21-21 with 6:24 left in the first half, when Cyclone forward Kenny Pratt put up two back-to-back baskets and ISU opened up an 11-point lead heading into the locker room at halftime. Pratt was the Cyclones’ second leading scorer with 12 points and nine rebounds.

“The bench came in and performed real well, so it was a fun game to see those guys out there,” Pratt said.

ISU’s offense kept on the same path in the second half as the ‘Clones made it 43-27 within the first minute on an alley-oop dunk by center Kelvin Cato from point guard Jacy Holloway.

Cyclone backup forward Stevie Johnson had a solid game with 11 points and two rebounds. “I’m calmer out there. I’m trying to react and play ball,” Johnson said.

Johnson considered it a great asset to have the bench play a considerable amount during the game. “Its going to help our team down the road, because some of our guys play so many minutes,” Johnson said.

Both Holloway and Cato had solid games. Cato collected 11 points, eight rebounds, and seven blocks. Holloway was consistent with five points and four assists. “Our starting five don’t rest that much. So when we get a chance to rest we take advantage of it,” Cato said. “We got ten players that can just fill in for each other any time.”