The Lowdown

Iowa State could not get shots to fall, failing to score a three-pointer until 47 seconds remained in the game, as the South Carolina Gamecocks were able to sneak past the Cyclones 64-60 in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Iowa State shot 35.7 percent from the floor, the lowest percentage since shooting 29.7 percent in their loss to Maryland, and went 1-for-18 from the three-point line and 19-for-33 from the free-throw line.

Georges Niang struggled for the Cyclones, scoring 10 points on 3-of-13 shooting and transfer Bryce Dejean-Jones scored only three points after getting in foul trouble.

Dustin Hogue left his home state without a win for the second time in less than a year, but tied the team-high in points with 15 and grabbed eight rebounds.

The game was the final non-conference game of the season and sends the Cyclones into Big 12 play with a 10-2 record. They play the Oklahoma State Cowboys (11-2) on Jan. 6 in Hilton Coliseum.

The Turning Point

With less than a minute remaining, Naz Long hit the team’s first three-pointer of the game, pulling the Cyclones within three points. The Gamecocks were called for an offensive foul on the next possession down the floor, giving the Cyclones a shot at tying or pulling within one point.

Iowa State turned the ball over, forcing them to foul and giving South Carolina the 64-60 win after a made free throw.

X-Factor

Jameel McKay — While the team’s top three scorers struggled to get a shot to fall for much of the first half, the Marquette transfer did everything he could to keep the Cyclones in the game.

Finishing with 15 points, six rebounds, three steals, two assists and two blocks, McKay was a menace on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor. 

By the Numbers

1 — Made three-pointer by Iowa State

8 — Assists by the Cyclones, tying for the season low with the Maryland loss

42 — Rebounds by the Gamecocks, eight more than Iowa State’s total

57.6 — Iowa State’s free throw percentage on 33 shots

60 — Points, the lowest Iowa State total since Jan. 23, 2013