Kansas made a clear statement that the path to the Big 12 title runs through Allen Fieldhouse, throwing up a massive road block against Iowa State on Feb. 2, which stopped the Cyclones cold in their tracks.

The regular season rematch between No. 11 Iowa State (16-5, 6-3 Big 12) and No. 8 Kansas (19-3, 8-1 Big 12) looked quite different than the first go-round, as the Jayhawks throttled the Cyclones 89-76, ending Iowa State’s two-game win streak in the series.

Iowa State scored 21 transition points in round one, celebrating ESPN Game Day’s first ever trip to Hilton by pouring in 86 points on its way to a five-point victory.

Kansas dominated the offensive glass in that matchup, which helped the Jayhawks earn 14 more field goal attempts, but allowed Iowa State to push a game pace favorable to its offensive style.

Kansas coach Bill Self adjusted in round two, slowing the game down and holding Iowa State to zero fast break points in the first half at Allen Fieldhouse.

Junior Georges Niang performed impressively for the third consecutive game, scoring 24 points to complement six rebounds, five assists, two blocks and two steals.

However, the ISU bench continued to struggle. After a lackluster effort against Texas Christian, Iowa State’s reserves struggled even more versus Kansas, netting only eight points.

In what was a physical game from the jump, both teams wore themselves down. It was Kansas’ depth that prevailed as the Jayhawks came out in the second half and extended a double-digit lead early, which it would maintain for the majority of the final 20 minutes.

Iowa State played two games in three days for the second week in a row, which may have contributed to ISU fatigue in the latter half. 

The Cyclones now receive five days off before hosting Texas Tech at Hilton to open the second half of the Big 12 season. Tip off is set for 1:00 p.m.