AMES — No. 5 Iowa State defeated IU Indianapolis 87-52 Monday night in the team’s last tune-up game before the Maui Invitational. This win was backed by strong performances from guard Curtis Jones and forward Joshua Jefferson.
Jones leads Cyclones’ start
Though the Cyclones dominated their first two opponents in each game, it took a little time before they really hit their stride.
Monday night’s game against IU Indianapolis was a different story, as Iowa State found its rhythm right at the opening tip.
By the time of the second media timeout, the Cyclones jumped out to a 29-8 lead. Iowa State was on fire offensively, shooting 76.9% from the field and 80% from 3-point range over the first eight minutes of the game.
“[Head coach T.J. Otzelberger] puts a big emphasis on the way we start games,” Jones said. “He let us know before the game that we were going to get off to a fast start, so that really propelled us.”
Jones led the way during the opening stretch, despite coming off the bench. Jones started the game 4-for-4 from the field and 3-for-3 from 3-point range.
“[Jones] has been electric for us,” Otzelberger said. “He’s a sixth starter as soon as he comes in. He puts fear in the defense.”
Jones wasn’t able to keep up his blistering pace, ending the game shooting 50% from the field and 40% from 3-point range, but he once again led the Cyclones in scoring with 20 points. This was the second consecutive game Jones led Iowa State in scoring coming off the bench.
“If I’m going to shoot it, I’m going to let it go with unlimited confidence,” Jones said. “That’s really what I feel like has propelled me to this good start.”
Jefferson goes perfect from the field, notches double-double
After Iowa State lost big men Tre King, Hason Ward and Robert Jones from last season’s team, landing a forward in the transfer portal was a priority.
One of the additions to the frontcourt was the St. Mary’s transfer, who played his best game as a Cyclone so far on Monday night against the Jaguars.
On the offensive side of the ball, Jefferson went a perfect 7-for-7 from the field and 2-for-2 from the free throw line, scoring a season-high 16 points. His 16 points are also tied for the second-highest total of Jefferson’s career.
It was just the second time Jefferson had gone perfect from the field after taking a minimum of five shots.
“When he’s playing at that level, the offense comes to him,” Otzelberger said. “He’s doing great things when he has that mental focus.”
Jefferson did more than just score.
Along with the points, Jefferson secured 10 rebounds during the game, three of those coming off of the offensive glass. He also recorded four assists and one steal.
Jefferson’s 16 points and 10 rebounds gave him his first double-double as a Cyclone and the fifth of his career. Jefferson’s last double-double came with St. Mary’s in a 64-62 win over Gonzaga last season.
“It felt good to get running and rebounding the way I would like to rebound,” Jefferson said.
The tune-up games are over
There are no easy games, but there is no arguing that Iowa State’s level of competition is about to take a big step up.
“We know that it’s about to ramp up here with what’s in front of us,” Otzelberger said.
The Cyclones’ first three opponents are a combined 0-8 against Division I teams. The next opponent is No. 4 Auburn at the Maui Invitational. The Tigers are 3-0 including a 74-69 road win against then-No. 4 Houston.
Iowa State also has the chance of facing two additional teams ranked inside of the top-10 depending on how things shake out during the Maui Invitational.
The Cyclones hope that their first three games have prepared them for the road ahead.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun to go out there and play another top-five team,” Jones said. “I’m really looking forward to it and we’ll prepare hard this week.”
