Cyclones blow past Kansas 85-72

So yeah, that happened.

I think a lot of people expected a loss in Ames.  I don't think a lot of people expected to lose the way the game unfolded.

The Jayhawks scored the first bucket of the game and led relatively comfortably throughout the entirety of the first half, taking a 43-36 into the break.

After a Landen Lucas layup at the 15:20 mark, Kansas only scored two more field goals over the next 8:22 minutes of gameplay, a span that included turnovers on five consecutive possessions.  Kansas could not dig out of the 66-59 hole which they themselves had dug (although credit ISU for taking advantage), and Iowa State pulled away for a surprisingly easy win.

Hilton magic?  Hardly.  Kansas just isn't playing well right now, and Iowa State took advantage.

Final Score: Iowa State 85, Kansas 72

Stats

Perry Ellis was a force tonight, leading all scorers with 23 points on 10/18 shooting.

Mason (16) and Selden (11) were the other Jayhawks scoring in double figures.

Mason turned the ball over six times against only three assists.

Rebounding went KU's way 35-28.  Lucas led the Jayhawks with nine boards.

As a team, Kansas hit 5/17 (29.4%) from behind the arc.  Greene went 2/4, but Selden struggled at 1/6.

The Jayhawks didn't hit a single 3-pointer in the second half.

ISU was 9/21 (42.9%) from behind the arc.

Kansas went 9/12 (75.0%) from the free throw line.

ISU was 12/15 (80.0%) from the line.

Iowa State has won four of the last five matchups against KU.

There was no court-storming (by the students/fans).

Takeaways

Where was Brannen Greene in the second half?  I didn't notice him come in until there were only five or six minutes left in the game.

The offense was terrible in the second half.

That said, the defense might have been worse, as ISU shot 64% from the field in the second half.

I am done with Frank Mason.  Stop it with the turnovers or find someone else who will.

I am done with Landen Lucas.  No explanation needed.

Jay Bilas said toward the end of the game that Kansas showed no fight and no toughness.

Bill Self said in his post-game radio interview that KU didn't show any fight.

I sense a theme.

I also sense a second-round exit if this doesn't get corrected.

Up Next

The Jayhawks will return to Allen Fieldhouse for the marquee matchup of the Big 12/SEC challenge.  Kansas will host Kentucky on Saturday, January 30.  The game is scheduled for a 6 PM tip (Jayhawk time) and will be televised on ESPN.

College Gameday will be broadcasting live from Allen Fieldhouse.  Doors open at 6:30 AM.