Iowa State (13-7, 4-3 Big 12) fell to Vanderbilt (10-11, 3-5 SEC) 84-78 on Saturday afternoon in Nashville, Tennessee, as a part of the Big 12/SEC Challenge. 

The Cyclones jumped out to an early lead — and held the Commodores to just 36 percent from the field that half — but couldn’t hold on. By halftime, Vanderbilt tied the game up 33-33. 

Vanderbilt kept its run alive, opening the second half on a 9-2 run. Iowa State had no answer for most of the half, falling behind by as many as 15 points late in the second half. 

While they did make a run late — bringing the game back within five points — the Cyclones didn’t win the late-game free-throw battle, eventually falling 84-78.

Monte Morris led the Cyclones with 25 points, going 10-of-17 from the field. Morris also notched three assists, and is now Iowa State’s all-time assist leader. Donovan Jackson had 16 points for the Cyclones, and Matt Thomas added 14.

Luke Kornet led Vanderbilt with 21 points, and Nolan Cressler had 20.

Iowa State is back in action on Tuesday when it hosts No. 18 West Virginia at 8 p.m.