Cyclones’ 3-point barrage downs Oklahoma, 77-70

NORMAN, Okla. (ISU) — Iowa State hit a conference-game record 15 3-pointers as the Cyclones (17-6 overall, 7-3 Big 12) knocked off Oklahoma (13-9 overall, 3-7 Big 12) 77-70 Saturday at the Lloyd Noble Center. The 15 long-range bombs marks the third time in school history Iowa State has made at least 15 in a game.

The Cyclones snapped a five-game overall losing streak against OU, dating back to 2007 and a seven-game losing streak in Norman which dated back to 1996, which was Iowa State’s last win in the state of Oklahoma. The Cyclones also surpassed their total wins mark from last season.

Melvin Ejim led Iowa State with a season-high 21 points, just one off his career-high, and a game-high nine rebounds. The sophomore has picked up his play since the start of the conference season, recording six games with double-figure scoring. After posting only one 3-pointer in his last four games, Scott Christopherson got out of his slump with 15 points on 3-of-5 shooting from long-range. Chris Babb (12), Chris Allen (11) and Tyrus McGee (10) also scored in double-figures for the Cyclones.

After the Sooners reduced Iowa State’s lead to 68-65 late in the second half, Allen hit a big 3-pointer in the corner to give the Cyclones a six-point advantage. After a quick OU counter, Royce White posted his only field goal of the game with a baseline drive and dunk to put the Cyclones ahead six again. Andrew Fitzgerald posted a bucket and free throw to reduce the lead again but Christopherson and Ejim iced the game for the Cyclones at the free throw line.