In the regular season opener, Iowa State blew out Savannah State, 113-76 at Hilton Coliseum. The Cyclones used a 23-6 run late in the first half to take control in a fast-paced, sometimes sloppy game. Monte Morris led the Cyclones with 21 points and 11 assists to kick off his senior season in style, and Naz Mitrou-Long flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 18 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.
Savannah State set the pace early, using backcourt pressure and questionable shot selection to get both teams up and down the court. Iowa State’s skill and patience eventually broke through, using its own press and fast-break opportunities to stretch the lead to 24 with 4:36 left in the first half.