Burton And Morris Overwhelm WVU 80-74

In the first half, a back and forth affair turned in favor for the Iowa State Cyclones as Monte Morris took over late. Sitting for seven of the first twenty minutes, Morris was fresh towards the end of the first half and finished with 11 points at halftime.

The first half was mostly an even affair, with the game tied 18-18 halfway through the first half. A 10-0 run by Iowa State gave the Cyclones a lead that they would work throughout the first half and into the second.

The second half saw Iowa State come out hot, especially, Deonte Burton. After making only one of four field goals in the first half, Burton was a monster in the second. Deonte was 4-4 by the midway point. He was deadly from three-point range.

Bob Huggins once again employed the 1-3-1 zone as the Mountaineers were unable to generate turnovers and pressure with their man-press defense. Watching Iowa State consistently and quickly break the press and build a lead to double digits, Huggin was forced to go zone. This slowed the bleeding and saw the Mountaineers begin to claw their way back.

During the season, West Virginia was able to exploit the lack of depth for the Cyclones and eventually wear out Iowa State. Tonight, the Cyclones were able to generate points from their bench, which kept their starters fresh. Every time WVU would start to generate a comeback, Iowa State had an answer. West Virginia also hurt itself with free throws, shooting less than 50% from the charity stripe.

Notes:

Jevon Carter led all scorers with 18 points, thanks to a last second three point shot.

Monte Morris led Iowa State with 17 points and Deonte Burton added 16. Burton had two points in the first half but 14 in the second. Burton was 6-7 on field goals in the second half.

Esa Ahmad once again started slow, adding only 3 points in the first half. He finished with 10 points.

The Mountaineers generated only 5 steals compared to 13 for the Cyclones.

West Virginia shot 51% from the field and 34% from behind the 3-point line. Iowa State shot 54% from the field and 31% from behind the 3-point line.