The Lowdown

For the second game in a row, Iowa State suffered late mental lapses that cost them the game, falling to Kansas State 70-69. The Cyclones (20-8, 10-6 Big 12) led 64-57 with six minutes to play, being outscored 13-5 to finish the game.

Iowa State’s first half started and ended with hot shooting from outside, making 8-of-15 3-pointers, including Matt Thomas’ corner 3-pointer with just seconds remaining in the half to take a 40-33 halftime lead.

The hot shooting cooled off after halftime and continued to get cooler as the game wore on. The Cyclones weren’t able to hold a 66-62 lead with less than three minutes to play, turning the ball over twice, which led directly to four points.

Iowa State was led by Georges Niang, who had a career night from behind the arc, hitting 5-of-7 triples. Naz Long added three and Dustin Hogue hit two to help add to the hot shooting.

Jameel McKay turned in a double-double performance with 13 points and 10 rebounds, along with two blocks. Monté Morris also recorded a well-rounded performance with 15 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals.

The loss drops the Cyclones to a tie for third place in the Big 12 with Baylor and West Virginia.

The Turning Point

With 1:16 to play leading 66-64, Georges Niang drove into the lane, missed a shot and tipped it back near the hoop as it appeared to roll into the hoop. But Jameel McKay was called for basket interference, negating the basket and giving the ball to Kansas State.

The Wildcats scored to tie the game, then took the lead on a shot less than 30 seconds later. Iowa State was able to take the lead briefly at 69-68 and rebounded the ball with a chance to win the game at the free-throw line. But the inbounds pass went directly to Kansas State, sealing the game.

The X-Factor

Georges Niang — Despite the loss, Niang finished with 21 points on 8-of-16 shooting and pulled down four rebounds. Niang’s basket that was interfered with nearly won the game, but came up short.

By the Numbers

2 — Straight losses for the Cyclones, the first back-to-back losses of the season

3 — Bench points for Iowa State

11 — 3-pointers for the Cyclones

21 — Points off turnovers by Kansas State

46 — Points in the paint by Kansas State

80 — Percent shooting from the free-throw line