MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Cyclones could get used to these comfortable victories.

After beating Oklahoma on Saturday by 16 points, the Cyclones came out and took care of business yet again against Kansas State — but this time it was on the road.

Iowa State (16-9, 8-5 Big 12) never relinquished the lead after a fast start in Manhattan, Kansas, holding off the Wildcat runs to beat Kansas State (16-10, 5-8 Big 12) 87-79 on Wednesday night at Bramlage Coliseum.

The Wildcats threatened to pull the win right from under the Cyclones, but Iowa State never let them get within five points. That may not have necessarily have been the case earlier this season. 

“I think we are playing better than we have played most of the year right now,” coach Steve Prohm said. “We have lost a lot of close games. I have learned a lot with this team trying to figure them out and they have probably tried to figure me out throughout the year. I think we are in a good place right now if we can keep everybody focused on the right things.”

The team’s resiliency down the stretch may be in large thanks to freshman Solomon Young.

Young, who made his second career start at center for the Cyclones, put up 18 points and 12 rebounds — eight of which were offensive — in a career-high 33 minutes. He added a couple of blocks and a steal.

While Young had the best game of his young Iowa State career, it would be hard to tell after the game. He spoke softly — like he had before the lights shined on his face — offering just one-sentence answers.

Solomon Young had a career-high 18 points and 12 rebounds Wednesday night. Here’s what he had to say after the game: #Cyclones pic.twitter.com/mEbQsAvDUV

— Ryan Young (@RyanYoung44) February 16, 2017

“[I] just come with the mentality to just come out here and be a beast,” he said with a smile.

In Young’s first career start in a win against Oklahoma on Saturday, he racked up eight points with two blocks — he was a force on defense. The performance was a big uptick from the team’s two other centers — Merrill Holden and Darrell Bowie — who have been everything but consistent this season.

Prohm said Monday he was kicking himself by waiting this long to start Young. After tonight, those feelings undoubtedly remain. 

“Proud of [Solomon Young,]” Prohm said. “Probably should be mad at me because I wasn’t playing him earlier, but hopefully he’s over it.”

Young has been humble while waiting for his chance to start, saying he would be ready when his number was called. Now that it has, he has been a more-than-welcome addition to the lineup while the team is in the middle of a stretch run.

“He saved my butt a few times on missed layups,” point guard Monte Morris said. “I thank you for that. I know I’ll get it on film with coach. He made some great hustle plays; I know the team needs something like that from somebody. And he was ready when his number was called, and that’s all you can ask for.”

While Young was the standout performer, Iowa State got contributions from all across the lineup. Froward Deonte Burton, who has been playing his best basketball over the past few games, put up 17 points and six rebounds.

Naz Mitrou-Long added 16 points and five rebounds.

But the focus is and will remain on Young if he keeps up his strong performances. And in a lineup full of seniors, Young is a fresh face that doesn’t play like his age might suggest. 

“He was special,” Mitrou-Long said. “Not because of the little ones he was getting, but because of his force on the court. It really felt like that was missing. Dominant defensively. Dominant offensively. Big tip-ins at the end, man. He didn’t look like a freshman today and hasn’t in the couple prior games.”