Mar 16, 2024; Kansas City, MO, USA; Iowa State Cyclones forward Robert Jones (12) reacts after a play during the second half against the Houston Cougars at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-USA TODAY Sports
In a rubber match battle between the top two seeds in the Big 12 Conference, Iowa State had all the answers for Houston, beating the Cougars 69-41.
The Cyclones took a seven-point lead into the halftime break and continued to build on it while Houston went nearly 10 minutes without a made shot from the field.
Milan Momcilovic led the way for the Cyclones, scoring 18 points with six rebounds. It’s the most points he’s scored in a game since Iowa State’s loss to Virginia Tech in November.
Keshon Gilbert finished with 16 points, six rebounds and three assists, playing a large role in Iowa State’s run to take control of the game.
Hason Ward was in other Cyclone to finish with double figures, scoring 13 points on a 5-6 shooting clip.
The Big 12 championship is Iowa State’s fifth as a program in the past decade, going along with its titles won in 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2019. It’s the Cyclones’ seventh Big 12 tournament championship, overall.
The victory gives Iowa State a 27-7 record on the season, and puts the team in a position to be considered for the final No. 1 seed slot when all is said and done.
Iowa State will find out its NCAA Tournament matchups when the bracket is released as part of Selection Sunday (5:00 p.m. CT, CBS) tomorrow.
