Ames, IA — In a thrilling matchup on Wednesday night, the Iowa State Cyclones, ranked sixth nationally, showcased their basketball prowess by defeating the fifth-ranked Marquette Golden Eagles with a final score of 80-71. This game marked a significant milestone in the Cyclones’ season, as they demonstrated both offensive and defensive strength against a formidable opponent.
The Cyclones quickly established their dominance, initiating the game with an impressive 8-0 run that set the tone for the first half. By the time the teams headed to the locker rooms, Iowa State had built a solid lead of 46-37, showcasing their ability to control the pace of the game.
As the second half commenced, Iowa State maintained their lead, extending it to 12 points with a jumper from Brandon Chatfield, making the score 56-44. However, the Golden Eagles were not ready to concede. A determined Marquette team began to mount a comeback, with Royce Parham hitting a three-pointer followed by two successful free throws, narrowing the gap to just seven points.
Despite the Cyclones pushing the lead back to ten points, Marquette’s Kam Jones hit a crucial three-pointer, and after a missed attempt from Curtis Jones, he scored again with a short jumper. Following an Iowa State turnover, Parham struck again with another three-pointer, tying the game at 61.
At this pivotal moment, the Cyclones regained their composure. After a timeout, Marquette struggled to find the basket, missing two consecutive shots. Keshon Gilbert capitalized on the opportunity, sinking two free throws to put Iowa State back in the lead. This moment marked the beginning of a remarkable 14-0 run for the Cyclones. During this stretch, Marquette found themselves unable to score, missing ten straight shots, and did not find the basket again until there were just 3:24 left in the game.
With the clock winding down, Nate Heise delivered a decisive three-pointer that solidified Iowa State’s control of the game, extending their lead to 78-63. The Cyclones closed out the match strong, securing their victory and improving their season record to 6-1.
Individually, Keshon Gilbert led the Cyclones with an impressive 24 points, complemented by 7 assists. Joshua Jefferson contributed significantly with a double-double, scoring 15 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Curtis Jones added 14 points to the scoreboard, while Dishon Jackson chipped in with 11 points. The Cyclones’ next challenge will be against Jackson State this Sunday at 5 PM, promising another exciting game for fans.
On the other side, Royce Parham emerged as Marquette’s top scorer off the bench with 17 points, while Kam Jones had a notable performance with 14 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds. Stevie Mitchell and Damarius Owens also contributed with 13 and 11 points, respectively, but the Golden Eagles fell to a season record of 8-1 after this tough loss.
This game not only showcased the competitive spirit of college basketball but also highlighted the Cyclones’ potential as they continue their season. As they prepare for their upcoming match, fans are eager to see how Iowa State builds on this significant victory over a top-ten rival.
