DENVER — Iowa State is heading to the Sweet 16 for the second time in three years after downing Little Rock 78-61 in the round of 32 on Saturday.

In a tournament full of upsets and close calls for top seeds, Iowa State has been able to avoid most of the madness. The Cyclones beat Iona in the first round by 13 points, but the game didn’t even feel that close for the most part.

Iowa State blitzed Little Rock from the beginning of the game, grabbing a solid lead and maintaining it most of the way. ISU senior Georges Nina was the star of the show, scoring early and often for Iowa State. 

Niang scored 17 points in the first half alone and finished with 28 points in the game to lead the Cyclones. During the game, Niang passed Barry Stevens and moved into second place on Iowa State’s all-time leading scorers list.

Little Rock was able to complete a wild comeback to upset Purdue in the opening round, but Iowa State wouldn’t follow suit. After building a lead, Iowa State was able to withstand Little Rock’s late-game pressure. 

Next up, Iowa State will head to Chicago for a Sweet 16 game against the winner of the Butler and Virginia game.