For the second straight game, the Iowa State defense flexed its muscle on its opponents, taking in a dominant 80-43 win over NC A&T at Hilton Coliseum.
Although the defense was a big part of Iowa State’s identity in last season’s run to the Sweet 16, there were some question marks as to whether it would be as strong this season.
“That’s kind of the identity we want to have as a team,” Iowa State center Osun Osunniyi said. “(We want to be) a hard-nosed defensive team that’s imposing our will on teams.”
They certainly imposed it in game two of the season.
Iowa State forced North Carolina A&T into committing 19 turnovers and shooting 25.6 percent from the field in the game.
That and a 17-3 run in the final six minutes of the game allowed the Cyclones to rush home to a second blowout win.
Jaz Kunc had one of the best offensive games for the team, which saw four players reach double figures.
Kunc ended his day with 17 points and 10 rebounds, but he’ll be the last to take credit for them.
“It’s not about that,” Kunc said of his double-double. “I’m just glad we got a win and I’m glad that we all crashed the glass. We had 17 offensive rebounds, collectively. We out-rebounded them by 20 almost. It’s not just about me. It’s big for us because later in the season when we face the bigger, more athletic teams, it’s going to take effort.”
Games like that from Kunc is something that Iowa State’s staff wouldn’t mind seeing more of.
His focus on the board is something that Otzelberger believes could help with his offensive game. It certainly helped on Sunday.
“Jaz is a terrific player,” Otzelberger said. “At times, I feel like with him, he doesn’t realize how good he is. What I’ve found is when you have that type of effort that he’s had on the glass, that the rhythm of the game offensively comes to you. He certainly was in rhythm there today.”
Ames native Tamin Lipsey scored in an Iowa State uniform for the first time in his career on Sunday, coming home with 10 points, three assists and four rebounds.
He played a big role in contributing to the flow of the game for the Cyclones.
“I’m proud of Tamin,” Otzelberger said. “He comes from a great family and has tremendous pride in our program, growing up and wanting to be a Cyclone. For him, I think there’s a lot more internal pride and passion to being a Cyclone… he doesn’t look like a freshman. He has poise. He has moxie and we’re going to continue to challenge him, too.”
Jaren Holmes added 13 points and seven boards in the game, while Demarion Watson’s three offensive rebounds in the first half stood out in the game as well.
Iowa State will return to the court after six days of rest, facing Milwaukee in its third game of the season Sunday, November 20 (5:00 p.m. ESPN+) at Hilton Coliseum.
