This game was highly anticipated because both teams are ranked among the top fifteen teams in the nation. This match quickly became a battle between two All-Americans, Buddy Hield of Oklahoma and George Niang of Iowa State.
Although Hield scored 14 points and shot 6-14 from the floor, Niang was more efficient, scoring 15 points and shooting 7-10 from the field. Both teams played solid man-to-man defense but this was an offensive-minded game. Both Oklahoma and Iowa State traded shots, but the Cyclones kept the upper hand, until Hield made a monstrous dunk, which kept the crowd energetic.
Throughout the game, Niang continued to play well with assistance from a junior transfer Deonte Burton. Burton caused match-up difficulties for the Cyclones due to his versatility. However, Oklahoma remained poised, with 5:30 left in the game Oklahoma’s point guard Isaiah Cousins made back-to-back three pointers, which gave Oklahoma their first lead since the start of the game.
Although the Cyclones led almost the entire game, Oklahoma managed to get the victory due to Cousins’ 15 points, all which came in the second-half. Oklahoma remains undefeated with a record of (12-0). Next they will match-up against the Kansas Jayhawks at Allen Fieldhouse, on Monday January 4th at 9 p.m.
