The Big 12 season is winding down, and post-season play is right around the corner, but Iowa State has a few regular season games to go before the madness begins.

Iowa State (20-9, 9-7 Big 12) took care of Kansas State (15-14, 4-12 Big 12) at home on Saturday night 80-61 in the third-to-last regular season game. Here’s how it all went down.

Key run of the game

Iowa State used a 18-4 run starting at the 16 minute mark in the second half that blew the game wide open. Iowa State racked up a 15-point lead that put the Cyclones in control of the game.

The Wildcats hovered around a 10-point deficit for most of the remainder of the game, and Iowa State’s lead was never really threatened. 

X-Factor: Matt Thomas

The junior who goes by the nickname “The Iceman” heated up and scored a team-high 20 points for Iowa State. Thomas hit on 5-of-8 3-pointers and went 7-of-11 from the field overall.

Up next

Iowa State has a quick turnaround as the Cyclones will be back in action on Monday facing off against the Oklahoma State. The game will tip off at 6 p.m. at Hilton Coliseum. 

Game notes

– Jameel McKay had a strong game coming off the bench with 14 points and 17 rebounds in the win. McKay started the second half for Deonte Burton. After a tumultuous February that included a suspension, McKay played as well as we’ve seen in a long time. 

– Since he was suspended, Hallice Cooke has played fewer minutes and been largely replaced in the rotation by Jordan Ashton. Against Kansas State, rolls were reversed. Cooke played 24 minutes, compared to just five minutes for Ashton. Cooke made the most of his opportunity scoring 10 points in the win. 

– As always, Georges Niang was Mr. Dependable for the Cyclones. The senior was efficient on offense, scoring 17 points on 7-of-9 shooting.