Ames, Iowa — Craig Brackins scored 22 points and grabbed 16 rebounds as the Iowa State men's basketball team beat Houston Baptist 64-56 Tuesday night at Hilton Coliseum for its fourth straight win.
Diante Garret added 12 points for the Cyclones (11-4), who recorded their most victories before starting Big 12 Conference play since 2000-01.
Iowa State led by just two at halftime before opening the second half on a 15-6 run.
Brackins scored eight quick points and Lucca Staiger hit a 3 to make it 39-28 with 14:17 left.
Carlos Boozer's 3 pushed the Cyclones lead to 46-32 midway through the second half.
The Huskies put a late scare into Iowa State, cutting their deficit to 54-46 with 2:49 left, but the Cyclones responded with 10 straight free throws.
Baron Sauls had 22 points for Houston Baptist (1-15), which was coming off its first win of the season.
The Cyclones open their conference season on Saturday at No. 7 Texas, their first ranked opponent of the season.
I really thought that Carlos Boozer would dominate Houston Baptist more.