The Kansas Jayhawks took on the Iowa State Cyclones in a heated Big 12 matchup on January 15, 2025. Both teams entered with strong conference records, but Kansas emerged victorious with a 79-71 win, led by Gradey Dick’s sharpshooting and a strong defensive effort.
Game Recap
The first half was tightly contested, with Iowa State’s Tamin Lipsey hitting three early three-pointers to give the Cyclones a 20-15 lead. Kansas responded with a 12-2 run, fueled by Jalen Wilson’s scoring and Gradey Dick’s perimeter shooting, and took a 38-34 lead into halftime.
The second half saw Kansas extend their lead, as Dick connected on back-to-back three-pointers to give the Jayhawks a double-digit cushion. Iowa State clawed back into the game behind the efforts of Robert Jones, but Kansas’ defense held strong, forcing multiple turnovers in the final minutes to seal the victory.
Key Performances
- Kansas Jayhawks:
- Gradey Dick: 22 points, 5 three-pointers, 6 rebounds.
- Jalen Wilson: 18 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists.
- Dajuan Harris Jr.: 10 points, 9 assists, 2 steals.
- Iowa State Cyclones:
- Tamin Lipsey: 17 points, 4 three-pointers, 4 assists.
- Robert Jones: 16 points, 7 rebounds.
- Osun Osunniyi: 10 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks.
Statistical Highlights
- Field Goal Percentage:
- Kansas: 49.2%
- Iowa State: 45.1%
- Three-Point Shooting:
- Kansas: 41.7% (10/24)
- Iowa State: 36.4% (8/22)
- Turnovers:
- Kansas: 8
- Iowa State: 12
Takeaways
- Kansas displayed their offensive balance and defensive tenacity, with Gradey Dick’s shooting proving pivotal in critical moments.
- Iowa State showed resilience and solid three-point shooting but struggled to maintain offensive consistency and protect the ball late in the game.
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