Iowa State’s four-guard lineup has been one of the main reasons for the team’s early success in the Big 12, but it was a contributor to the team’s struggles Saturday. 

The Cyclones were outscored 54-38 in the paint in their 84-77 loss to TCU in Forth Worth, Texas. The Horned Frogs also out-rebounded Iowa State 36-27. 

Transfer guard Donovan Jackson led the way for the Cyclones early. He found his stroke as soon as he entered the game about midway through the first half. He rattled off 13 straight points, including three 3 pointers, and put up 16 points in the first 20 minutes, which marked his career high. 

But even though Jackson and the rest of the Cyclones shined offensively, the defense struggled early. 

The Horned Frogs finished the first half shooting 59 percent from the field. Brandon Parrish had 13 points for TCU and helped his team go into halftime up 44-41. 

The Horned Frogs kept the Cyclones at arm’s length throughout the second half, never conceding the lead even though Iowa State pulled within a possession on multiple occasions. 

TCU extended its lead to 10 with over two minutes to go in the game, but Iowa State didn’t just go away. The Cyclones pulled within six with over a minute to go, but a two-turnover stretch gave the Horned Frogs a comfortable victory.