Field Level Media
Feb 13, 2021
Jalen Wilson recorded his fourth consecutive double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds on Saturday as Kansas overcame poor shooting to topple Iowa State 64-50 in Big 12 play at Ames, Iowa.
The Jayhawks (15-7, 9-5 Big 12) won their third game since dropping from the rankings for the first time since 2009 and also beat the Cyclones (2-14, 0-11) for the second time in three days.
Wilson went 4 of 8 from behind the arc, providing Kansas its only consistent 3-point threat. David McCormack added 13 points and eight boards as the Jayhawks overcame 35.8 percent shooting by forcing the sloppy Cyclones into a season-high 23 turnovers. Christian Braun netted 11 points.
A 15-6 run capped on a 3-pointer by Wilson enabled Kansas to establish a 50-39 margin with 7:46 left.
Iowa State dropped its 10th straight and remains in jeopardy of suffering its first winless season in conference play since 1936-37 when the Cyclones played in the Big Six.
After posting a season-high 20 points in Thursday's 97-64 loss at Kansas, Jalen Coleman-Lands matched that total to again lead Iowa State. The Cyclones' top scorer on average, Rasir Bolton, added 13 points but made just 3 of 8 field goals.
Iowa State led the entire first half before Kansas closed with six unanswered points to forge a 24-24 halftime tie despite 28.6 percent shooting. Wilson posted 10 points and five rebounds to pace the Jayhawks in the first half.
The Cyclones committed more turnovers (15) than field goals (nine) but led by eight before closing the half by going 2-for-10. Coleman-Lands led Iowa State with 10 first-half points.
Kansas opened by going just 2-for-12 before a 3-pointer by Wilson with 12:54 left made it 13-8. The Jayhawks then missed six straight shots but heated up slightly down the stretch while forcing the Cyclones into careless mistakes in the half-court.
The NCAA released a mock listing Saturday of the top 16 seeds for the NCAA Tournament. To no surprise, the seedings did not include unranked Kansas, illustrating the uphill climb the Jayhawks face to avoid being seeded lower than No. 4 for the first time under 18th-year coach Bill Self.
--Field Level Media