Iowa State Men’s Basketball: Cyclones Cruise to 86-66 Victory Over Texas Tech Red Raiders

It was tough to watch at times, and that’s not talking about how the Iowa State men’s basketball team played. They pull away from Texas Tech in heavy foul-ridden game that featured no consistency from the refs and some physical play early on from both teams.

Jan 23, 2013; Lubbock, TX, USA; Iowa State Cyclones guard Tyrus McGee (25) attempts a rebound against Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Jordan Tolbert (32) guard Dusty Hannahs (2) and guard Toddrick Gotcher (20) in the second half at the United Spirit Arena. Texas Tech defeated Iowa State 56-51. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Babb and Will Clyburn led the team with 17 points, with Babb hitting a team-high five 3-pointers. He had the best efficiency as the team went 11-29 overall from beyond the arc. Both players also had six rebounds a piece.

Melvin Ejim had his 12th double-double despite getting into foul trouble with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Tyrus McGee led the bench again with 13 points, and again he had more production inside hitting 5-7 field goals and only attempting two 3-pointers, nailing one of them.

After Ejim and Texas Tech’s Jordan Tolbert got rough under the basket, the refs began calling the game very tight early in the second half. In the end, 46 fouls were called with both teams getting at least 20 called against them. Iowa State benefitted hitting 23-30 free throws while Texas Tech went just 13-25.

Unlike the previous meeting, the Cyclones dominated the glass out-rebounding the Red Raiders 40-29 and getting nine offensive boards.

Texas Tech starting guard Josh Gray was one of the thorns on ISU early on driving to the basket with ease. He led the team with 20 points and went 7-15 from the field. Jaye Crockett also had a double-double off the bench with 13 points and 11 rebounds.

Iowa State improves their home winning streak to 22 games. That streak will be tested vastly with Kansas coming into town on Monday night and  Oklahoma State next week to finish the regular season.

Brian Spaen is the lead editor of Clones Confidential. Get more Cyclones coverage by following us on Twitter and Facebook.