AMES (AP) — Naz Long missed a 3-pointer just 10 seconds into Wednesday night’s game for No. 9 Iowa State.
He was hardly concerned.
“I kind of knew I was going to have it going,” the junior guard said.
Long swished the first of his seven 3s only 13 seconds later and scored a season-high 24 points in 25 minutes as the Cyclones cruised to an 83-33 victory over Mississippi Valley State.
“It felt good. It was falling and these guys were finding me,” Long said.
Jameel McKay added 10 points and six rebounds for the Cyclones (10-1), who shot 51 percent from the field to help coach Fred Hoiberg earn his 100th career win.
“It’s a game that I wanted to win and get some momentum heading into league play. Hopefully we get 101 the next time out,” he said.
Iowa State used a 13-0 run to build a 23-9 lead 9 minutes into the game and carried a 47-18 advantage into halftime.
Bryce Dejean-Jones had eight points, six assists and five rebounds for the Cyclones, who held the Delta Devils to 24.1 percent shooting.
Jeffrey Simmons and Isaac Williams had six points apiece for MVSU (1-12), which lost its sixth in a row.
Iowa State shot 66.7 percent in the first half. By midway through the second, the Cyclones were exclusively playing reserves — and Long had left the game to a standing ovation.
Long fell one 3 short of tying his career high. He finished 7 of 10 from the field and 3 for 3 at the free throw line. He also chipped in with five of Iowa State’s 25 assists.
The Delta Devils stayed close early, trailing just 10-7 before McKay — a Marquette transfer who became eligible 11 days ago — capped that 13-0 run with a layup.
McKay’s energy continued to lift the Cyclones, who surged to a 72-28 lead after one of his four dunks.
Hoiberg reached 100 wins faster than any previous coach in Iowa State history. He is 100-48 in four-plus seasons guiding the Cyclones.
Iowa State also notched its 500th win at Hilton Coliseum.