In a commanding display of skill and teamwork, the 15th-ranked Iowa State Cyclones powered past the Creighton Bluejays with a decisive 78-60 victory in the second round of the Players Era Championship on Tuesday. This impressive win in Las Vegas propels the Cyclones to a perfect 6-0 record for the season.
Rising Star Steps Up in Absence of Key Player
The Cyclones faced a significant challenge, playing without their co-leading scorer, Tamin Lipsey. Lipsey, who has been a vital spark for the team averaging 18.4 points, was sidelined with a groin injury sustained in the previous game against St. John's. This was a particular concern given his history with a groin issue last season and a preseason MCL injury.
However, freshman Killyan Toure, hailing from France, rose to the occasion spectacularly. Entering the game with an average of 8.6 points, Toure exploded for a career-high 20 points, single-handedly igniting the Cyclones' offense in the first half with 10 points on 50% shooting.
Dominant Team Performance Seals the Win
Iowa State's victory was a true team effort. Joshua Jefferson delivered a powerful double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Blake Buchanan came close to one himself, contributing 12 points and nine rebounds. Milan Momcilovic also finished in double figures, adding 10 points to the scoreboard.
The Cyclones established their dominance early, particularly near the basket. They outscored Creighton by a staggering margin in the paint, 52-20, showcasing their control of the game's interior. Furthermore, Iowa State capitalized on Creighton's mistakes, scoring 19 points from the Bluejays' 17 turnovers.
For Creighton, now 3-3 for the season, four players managed to score in double digits. Jasen Green and Josh Dix led their effort with 15 points each, followed by Hudson Greer with 12 and Isaac Traudt with 10.
What Comes Next in the Tournament?
Both teams will continue their campaign in the Players Era Championship on Wednesday. Their next opponents and the scheduled game times are yet to be determined as the tournament bracket progresses.
