Iowa State lost control of its rematch against Baylor on Feb. 25, subsequently losing control of its destiny in the Big 12.

No. 12 Iowa State (20-7, 10-5 Big 12) fell at Hilton for the first time all season to No. 19 Baylor (21-7, 9-6 Big 12) 79-70. It was Baylor’s second victory against Iowa State in conference play this season.

The Cyclones appeared to have a strong handle on the game, leading 62-54 with 8:33 left in the second half. Then Baylor went on a tear from long range, making its next five baskets from behind the arc, including four 3s on four straight possessions.

Roughly three minutes later, the Cyclones found themselves trailing 69-66. They would not regain the lead.

The nuts and bolts of the contest were somewhat out of character for Iowa State. The Cyclones won the rebounding battle 32-31 after being out-boarded by 12 in Waco, Texas on Jan. 14. Iowa State also limited Baylor to only 10 offensive rebounds and 15 second chance points. Both were improvements from the first game as Iowa State actually outscored Baylor 30-20 in the paint.

However, the Cyclones sacrificed fast-break chances in their attempt to be more effective on the glass, scoring only two points in transition all night.

The demise of Iowa State ultimately came from behind the 3-point line, a place the team has struggled mightily to defend all season, as Baylor connected on 14-of-26 shots from deep.

Redshirt junior Jameel McKay led the way for Iowa State, slamming home dunk after dunk on his way to 21 points, eight rebounds, four blocks and two assists. Sophomore Matt Thomas also showed up for the second game in a row, pouring in 13 points and adding four rebounds.

Iowa State now sits a full game behind Kansas in the Big 12 standings and is tied with Oklahoma, a team that beat Iowa State earlier in the season.