The Redbirds zipped out to a 16-0 lead against Tulsa at the Stan Sheriff Center. Paris Lee scored 18 points and Deontae Hawkins added 16 as ISU earned a 68-56 victory.
"We came out with some intensity and focus," said ISU coach Dan Muller on his postgame radio show. "Sometimes I have a feeling how we're going to play ... but I wasn't sure how we would come out.
"But we came out with some focus defensively that was intense. I thought Deontae Hawkins set the tone rebounding, ball-screen defense and making some big baskets."
Tony Wills tied his season high with 11 points, while MiKyle McIntosh scored 10 points for the Redbirds.