Iowa State starts a new kind of streak at Oklahoma State
Iowa State had an 18-game losing streak at Oklahoma State going into last year's game and came away with a triple overtime victory. The Cyclones went back to Stillwater on Wednesday night and won for the second year in a row against the 22nd-ranked Cowboys.
No. 14 Iowa State scored the final nine points and held the Cowboys scoreless in the last 2 minutes to win 70-65. Richard Nixon was president the last time Iowa State won two years in a row at Oklahoma State.
The victory at least keeps the Cyclones hopes alive, to some degree, of capturing a share of the regular season title in the Big 12 along with Kansas, which has won 10 straight. But the Jayhawks would have to stumble again at some point in their final five games. They play three of five at home but must travel to Kansas State and Oklahoma.
It was only the second road win of the season in the Big 12 Conference for the Cyclones who will be looking to break another road-losing streak later this week when they visit Texas, where they have lost six straight.
Georges Niang made two big jumpers down the stretch and Dustin Hogue drilled a 3-pointer from the corner to earn the victory. Niang had only five points in the game until hitting those two shots in the final 80 seconds. He got into early foul trouble but the Cyclones overcame it.
Jameel McKay came up with a huge performance scoring 17 points and grabbing 14 rebounds while also blocking four shots. He was a huge factor in Iowa State dominating the Cowboys on the boards and often limiting them to one shot.
Winning on the road is one of the final questions lingering about the Cyclones. Otherwise, this is a well-rounded team that appears capable of another deep run in March. Wednesday's result won't complete wipe away the questions some have about the Cyclones capabilities away from Hilton Coliseum, but following it up with a win at Texas just might do that.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma State never seems to be able to find a groove and stay in it. Certainly nothing to be ashamed of in the rugged Big 12, but the Cowboys might now be back in a frame of mind where they doubt themselves after consecutive losses to TCU and the Cyclones.
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[Kyle Ringo is the assistant editor of The Dagger on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at kyle.ringo@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @KyleRingo
