By: Anthony Hanson
Iowa State Men’s Basketball has beaten a Power 5 opponent for the first time in 626 days.
Iowa State’s superior energy and intensity lifted it past Oregon State by a score of 60-50 on Friday night. Iowa State moved to 2-0 while leading Oregon State in fast-break points, points off turnovers, rebounds and blocks.
The win ends a drought against Power 5 competition that goes back to February 25, 2020, when Iowa State defeated TCU.
The Hilton Coliseum crowd was energized by 15 fast-break points and 12 points off 14 Oregon State turnovers. The Cyclones held Oregon State’s leading scorer Warith Alatishe to just 8 points. The reigning Pac 12 champions did not have a scorer in double figures.
“I felt like we brought the intensity on the offensive and defensive end,” Gabe Kalscheur said. “Especially the defensive end.”
Iowa State held Oregon State shooters to just 33.9% from the field.
Offensively, Iowa State struggled to find a groove against an Oregon State defense that showed multiple defensive looks. Oregon State forced 19 Iowa State turnovers and stalled the Iowa State offense at times while rotating between man-to-man and several zone defenses.
Iowa State gave up 22 turnovers on opening night against Kennesaw State.
“It’s a great growing up opportunity for Tyrese Hunter and Trey Jackson, who’s hadn’t really played much point,” T.J. Otzelberger said.
Iowa State will need to limit turnovers going forward if it wants to find its spark offensively. Otzelberger is hoping to see his team be more detail-oriented offensively as his young floor general Tyrese Hunter gains valuable experience.
The freshman Hunter scored nine points and added seven assists from the point guard position. He showcased his athleticism with a blow-by and impressive dunk early in the first half.
“He [Hunter] came in as a freshman, and he acted like a senior,” Otzelberger said. “He’s such a competitor, he’s such a winner and he’s so tough.”
Gabe Kalscheur consistently found himself open against the Oregon State zone. The senior guard lead the charge for Iowa State for the second straight game. Coming off 19 points on Tuesday night against Kennesaw State, the transfer from Minnesota scored a game-high 15 points.
Kalscheur’s confidence never wavered as he showcased his smooth shooting stroke by taking game-high 17 field goals, eight of which from 3-point range.
Iowa State out rebounded a team that on paper had much more height and length.
Izaiah Brockington crashed the boards for a game-high 12 rebounds, giving himself a double-double on the night. Rebounding from the backcourt allowed Iowa State to effectively run its fast-break offense, something that’s effective regardless of the defensive look.
