Cyclones pull away in second half to down Cowboys

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State used a 15-0 run in the first eight minutes of the second half to open up a game which was competitive in the first 20 minutes, as the 20th-ranked Cyclones ran away with a 77-40 win over McNeese on Sunday night.

McNeese (3-7) trailed just 33-24 at the half, rallying multiple times from double-digit deficits to cut the Iowa State lead into single numbers. But the Cyclones (8-2) dominated coming out of the break, holding McNeese to just three missed shots while forcing 10 turnovers in the through the first 8:40 of the half before Roberts Berze sank a 3 at the 11:20 mark.

The Cowboys turned the ball over a season-high 30 times in the game and was outscored 36-9 in points off turnovers.

Trae English and Zach Scott each scored eight points to lead McNeese while Iowa State had three players score in double-figures, led by Aljaz Kunc’s 21 points.

McNeese was held to just 38 shot attempts in the game, hitting 14 of those for 37 percent and was 7 of 21 for 33 percent from behind the three-point arc.

One bright spot came on the boards where McNeese held a 29-27 advantage in rebounds.

Iowa State shot 30 of 55 for 55 percent, including 16 of 26 for 62 percent aim in the second half. The Cyclones connected on 10 of 18 from behind the arch for 56 percent

The Cowboys closed out the Iowa trip going 1-1 (defeated Northern Iowa 52-49 on Friday). They’ll return to action on Thursday night at home against Louisiana-Lafayette.