Iowa State men’s basketball made a statement in its season opener, winning 88-39 over IUPUI, with the newcomers showing what they are made of.

The jitters were evident early, as the Cyclones struggled to make a basket in the first eight minutes of play, with the score being 12-10 in favor of Iowa State. 

This is when defense began to turn to offense for the Cyclones. The rest of the half was 33-12 in favor of Iowa State, and the halftime score was 45-22.

One of the key factors to the Cyclones settling in was the fact that they were able to get to the free throw line often and convert when they did get there.

The Cyclones shot 18 of 23 from the free throw line, which is good for a 78.3% clip.

The former St. Bonaventure duo of Jaren Holmes and Osun Osunniyi showed why they were brought into Iowa State’s program as transfers, posting strong performances on both ends of the floor.

Holmes was the star of the show, scoring 23 points on 8-16 shooting to go along with three steals. Osunniyi scored 10 of his own to go along with a pair of blocks.

Holmes said it was a surreal experience to play in Hilton Coliseum, and it is a moment that he will not forget.

“Almost a packed house,” Holmes said. “More fans than I’ve ever seen.”

Heading into the game, Osunniyi said that there will be nerves for him and the rest of the newcomers coming into a season opener in Hilton Coliseum, but that it’s really what basketball is all about.

“It’s a good thing to have nerves like that,” Osunniyi said the week before the game.

Holmes said after the game that the nerves were not as high for him, and that after he saw a shot go in, he was ready to go.

“There were nerves for sure, but I’ve done this four years now,” Holmes said. “I can say that I scored in Hilton Coliseum just like Monté [Morris] or Will Clyburn.”

Head coach T.J. Otzelberger made the decision to bring in Gabe Kalscheur off the bench. Kalscheur performed well on both ends of the court, highlighted by 16 points on 5-10 shooting.

Otzelberger said that he went with Kalscheur off of the bench because

he was confident he could handle the situation.

“We know he can come off the bench and make us better,” Otzelberger said. “Gabe gives us that scoring punch.”

Kalscheur said that despite his change in role, he is keeping the same mindset every game. He said that he has gained a lot of confidence this year, and it is helping him stay more consistent.

Next up for the Cyclones is a matchup with North Carolina A&T at noon Sunday.