All business; Cyclones cruise past N.C. Central

Proudly landscaping Central Iowa since 1981, Country Landscapes has provided the ultimate in custom landscaping with innovative design and quality installation. Their locations in central, eastern, and northern Iowa serve Ames, Ankeny, Des Moines, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Clear Lake, Mason City, Marshalltown, and the surrounding communities. Their staff is local to you and loves to landscape–let them help you with all your landscaping needs!

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — In what will be remembered as a wild first two days of the 2014 NCAA Tournament where high seeds struggled and many were upset, Fred Hoiberg’s Iowa State Cyclones did just the opposite. Iowa State, the 3-seed in the East Region, outscored N.C. Central 48-36 in the second half and cruised to a 93-75 victory over the MEAC champions. 

While the Eagles made things interesting for the majority of the first half, Iowa State simply over-powered the low-major program in the frontcourt. On the back of Georges Niang’s team-high 24 points, Iowa State out-scored the Eagles 48-32 in the paint. The Cyclones also out-rebounded N.C. Central 34-24. 

The big story coming out of the game is the status of Niang, who left the floor midway through the second half with an apparent foot or ankle injury. TNT’s television broadcast reported that Niang left with Iowa State’s team doctor to receive x-rays. ABC 5 sports director Dave Zawilinski is currently reporting that Niang was seen on crutches. 

Check out CycloneFanatic.com later this evening for complete updates from Iowa State’s locker room. 

Five Cyclones finished the game in double figures. In addition to Niang’s 24, Melvin Ejim was next in line with 17. Dustin Hogue, DeAndre Kane, and Monte Morris scored 15, 14 and 15 respectively. 

The Cyclones will now meet the six-seed in the East Region, North Carolina on Sunday. The Tar Heels survived 79-77 against a game Providence team. Iowa native Marcus Paige led the Tar Heels with 19 points in the victory.