The Lowdown

It took about 39 minutes for Iowa State to feel comfortable with their lead, but with some good shooting and late breakdowns by Alabama, the Cyclones were able to pull away for a 84-74 win.

Alabama stuck around for much of the game, using hot three-point shooting early in the game and pounding the interior late in the game to cause problems for the Cyclones. Iowa State (3-0, 0-0 Big 12) was able to pull away late with Georges Niang taking over after playing a fairly quiet second half.

Matt Thomas made his 2014-15 season debut with one of the best performances of his short career, recording 13 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Transfer Abdel Nader also made his debut and recorded four points and a rebound but was plagued by foul trouble.

Four players scored in double figures with Georges Niang leading the way with 28 points, followed by Dustin Hogue’s 17 points, Naz Long’s 15 points and Thomas’ 13 points.

Monte Morris didn’t finish with any points, but gave the Cyclones multiple opportunities, totaling 12 assists and no turnovers. He also pulled down six rebounds in the game.

Turning Point

With two minutes remaining and Iowa State hanging on to a 76-73 lead, Georges Niang battled down low to force two free throws, making both. The Cyclones ended on an 8-to-1 run to end the game.

X-Factor

Georges Niang — Niang’s first half may have been the key to keeping the Cyclones ahead, holding only a 6-point lead going into the halftime break. He scored 18 of his 28 points in the first 20 minutes and ended up with six rebounds and three assists to go with his 9-for-14 shooting night.

Niang has lived up to his preseason hype, averaging 22.7 points per game, 8.7 rebounds per game and 3.7 assists per game.

By the Numbers

5 — Blocks by the Cyclones

15 — Turnovers by the Cyclones, the most of the season

19.7 — Assists per game this season

33 — Total minutes played by Matt Thomas and Abdel Nader after suspension

58 — Field goal percentage by the Cyclones