It was another bitterly close finish for Iowa State in the Big 12.

The Cyclones’ previous four games in conference had been decided by a total of 10 points, so it was no surprise that the battle for the Big 12 lead roughly a third of the way into the season came down to the final ticks.

No. 9 Iowa State (14-3, 4-1 Big 12) defeated Kansas State (11-8, 4-2 Big 12) 77-71, avoiding the hangover from an emotional, 5-point victory against Kansas in Hilton last Saturday.

Forward Jameel McKay was the star of the evening as he lead the Cyclones in scoring with 15 points to compliment seven hard-earned rebounds and three blocks against Kansas State’s Thomas Gipson.

McKay entered the game earlier than has been customary in both the first and second halves, an indicator that his endurance has upped since starting the season late due to transfer regulations.

Another sign of McKay’s improved physical shape was a 7-for-9 effort from the line, which is the one area that has plagued the long, athletic transfer from Marquette.

Junior Georges Niang also re-introduced himself to the Hilton hoards with a resurgent performance highlighted by 12 points, six rebounds and a team-high four assists.

The first half was faster and more offensive than expected as both teams shot better than 50 percent from the field. Iowa State led by the thinnest of margins, 39-38 heading into the second period.

The Wildcats were highly effective shooting mid-range jumpers in the first half, but could not replicate that difficult task in the second. They were, however, able to grab multiple leads and keep the game tight to its conclusion by effectively getting to the rim, and subsequently the free-throw line, throughout the final 20 minutes.

In the end, the Cyclones proved too much for the visiting Wildcats, sealing the deal with key defensive stops and made free-throws down the stretch.

Now that Iowa State finds itself atop the mountain of the Big 12, the next challenge is staying there.