No. 4 Iowa State looks to continue its early-season surge when it faces Eastern Illinois on Sunday in Ames, Iowa.
The Cyclones (10-0) rallied from a 13-point first-half deficit for a 66-62 win against archrival Iowa on Thursday.
Iowa State’s leading scorer Joshua Jefferson (18.2 points per game) racked up a game-high 24 points. Tamin Lipsey added 14 points, and Milan Momcilovic pitched in 10 points for the Cyclones, who notched a 10-game winning streak for the eighth time in program history with the win.
While the stars of the Iowa State program did their part against Iowa, Cyclones’ coach T.J. Otzelberger had high praise for junior forward Blake Buchanan. The Virginia transfer has done the dirty work on offense and defense for Iowa State.
“In terms of impacting winning, Blake Buchanan had more impact on winning than anyone,” Otzelberger said. “He had four blocks. (He) is active around the rim and on the glass. He’s a great decision maker. He’s first to the floor for a loose ball. At 6-foot-11, you don’t see that all the time. He’s such a competitor and a winner. He rolls his ankle and can’t get back in the game fast enough. Mentally, he’s such a competitor. The things you put in your mind, the body will follow.”
Even though Buchanan, who has averaged 8.6 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, had a humble stat line (six points, six rebounds, four blocks and three steals), his ability to contribute all over the floor highlighted a game-changing 19-0 Cyclones run that spanned both halves.
“He’s a winner and a competitor,” Otzelberger said. “He wants to do whatever he can for his team to be successful, whatever that job is. He can facilitate offense, get to the glass or be the first guy to the floor. He’s an elite defender that covers up so many things on the block.”
Meanwhile, Eastern Illinois (2-7) has battled the injury bug all season. Through nine games, Eastern Illinois has used six different starting lineup combinations. Panthers players have missed 33 games due to injury.
Only two players, Meechie White (9.8 ppg) and Kooper Jacobi (10.2 ppg), have started all nine games for the Panthers. Eastern Illinois has dropped four straight games, with the latest a 68-59 home setback to Eastern Kentucky on Wednesday.
Leading scorer Zion Fruster (16.5 points) racked up 16 points off the bench, and White added 12 points. In his first game back from an injury that sidelined him last season, reserve guard Andre Washington added 11 points.
“It definitely feels good to just be back on the court with my teammates,” Washington said. “(I) still need to get adjusted, get my wind back, but it definitely feels good to be back out there.”
As the Panthers’ roster gradually returns to full strength, Eastern Illinois coach Marty Simmons said Washington’s energy is a much-needed asset.
“He’s the energizer bunny,” Simmons said. “He loves to play, he loves to compete.”
