Iowa State (11-6, 3-3 Big 12) couldn’t overcome its early deficit against No. 2 Kansas (17-1, 6-0 Big 12) on Monday night on ESPN’s primetime matchup. After an 8-6 lead with 15 minutes left in the first half, the Cyclones never found the front again, ultimately falling 76-72 despite a late-game comeback. 

Here are three takeaways from the game. 

Monte Morris, Frank Mason III go toe-to-toe

Two of the best point guards in college basketball met at Hilton Coliseum on Monday night.

Iowa State’s Monté Morris, who was named the Big 12 preseason player of the year, matched up with Kansas’ Frank Mason III, who has been a front-runner for national player of the year awards. Morris got the better of Mason on the stat sheet, putting up 23 points, seven assists and seven rebounds.

Mason had a respectable 16 points and six rebounds but made his points count when it mattered down the stretch.  

“I thought it was too much of a matchup early on,” Kansas coach Bill Self said. “I thought Monté Morris had a spectacular game, and Frank Mason would be the first to tell you that … I thought [Morris] was fabulous. And Frank was soft, but when we needed Frank to step up, [he did].”

After entering the game with just one turnover in five Big 12 contests, Morris racked up three Monday night, all within the first half. Morris helped the Cyclones get within a couple possessions multiple times in the second half. He also played all 40 minutes of the game.  

“It was a great matchup,” Kansas forward Landen Lucas said. “They both played well. Morris had a great game. He controlled a lot of the pace and did a great job. It’s two great players and two great point guards. Two of the best in the country. For them to go at it, it’s fun to watch. Frank should definitely be happy because he led our team to a win.” 

Kansas compliments Hilton Coliseum atmosphere

The Iowa State fan base was out in full force over the past week and a half.

After Iowa State’s game against Texas on Jan. 7, fans started to camp out in anticipation for Monday night’s game. More fans started to wait in line as the game time turned from days to hours.

During the game, decibel levels from the crowd reached more than 100 at multiple points. Although the Cyclones couldn’t pull off the comeback, the Jayhawks complimented what the Hilton Coliseum atmosphere can do to a game.

“It’s always tough,” Lucas said. “In my time here, It seems like no matter what, they’re going to go on and make it a close game. You’re going to have to fight to get a win. We did that tonight. We should be very proud of coming here and getting a win. For the new guys who don’t really understand it as much, it’s tough. That’s a big road win for us in the Big 12.” 

Self called Hilton Coliseum one of the toughest places to play in the country, and the record shows. Iowa State had won the last two games as underdogs against Kansas in Ames entering Monday.

“This was the first time that we’ve been in a place like this [this season],” Self said. “No disrespect to where we play, but this is by far the best home court we’ve played at so far. I thought our guys enjoyed playing in it, which I knew they would. It’s a great atmosphere. We just made enough plays.” 

Deonte Burton has a tale of two halves  

Throughout Big 12 play, Deonte Burton has been the epitome of inconsistency from game to game. But on Monday, that inconsistency showed from half to half.

Burton had 13 points in the first half along with two rebounds on 6-of-10 shooting. He added a 3-pointer in his 18 minutes of court time. In the second half, Burton had eight points on 3-of-11 shooting and three rebounds. He played 16 minutes.   

Iowa State coach Steve Prohm has continuously said his team goes when Burton goes, and that Burton’s importance stems from his ability to rebound. But after the Cyclones were out-rebounded 41-24 against Kansas, Prohm put the onus on himself to figure out a way to make up for lack of size in the post.

Burton still figures to be a large part of that going forward.