No. 6 Iowa State will go for its fourth win in a row when it hosts Jackson State in a nonconference matchup Sunday evening in Ames, Iowa.
Iowa State (6-1) is coming off an 81-70 home win against No. 5 Marquette on Wednesday. Five of the Cyclones’ six wins have been by double digits, and the team’s only setback was by two points to Auburn, which is now No. 2 in the nation, in the Maui Invitational.
Meanwhile, Jackson State (0-9) has lost each of their last two games by single digits, including a 66-64 defeat at Arkansas State on Thursday.
Keshon Gilbert has been a big reason for Iowa State’s early-season success. He led all scorers with 24 points in the win over Marquette, shooting 7 of 15 from the field, 2 of 4 from beyond the arc, and 8 of 8 from the free-throw line.
Gilbert has scored at least 23 points in three of his past four games.
“He’s the engine that’s driving us right now,” Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger said.
Gilbert, who also had seven assists, took an elbow that left his nose bloodied against Marquette. He exited briefly before returning to continue his sharp play.
The senior from St. Louis said he took pride in his toughness on the court.
“Growing up having to work for everything, nothing’s easy,” Gilbert said. “Having challenges at a younger age taught me how to keep on fighting and never give up.”
Gilbert leads the Cyclones in points (17.6) and assists (5.6) per game. Four teammates are also scoring in double digits: Curtis Jones (15.9 ppg), Milan Momcilovic (11.7), Dishon Jackson (10.6) and Joshua Jefferson (10.4).
Jackson State’s top scorer is Jayme Mitchell Jr., who is averaging 12.8 points. Dorian McMillian is next with 9.2, while Romelle Mansel leads the team with 7.8 rebounds to go along with 8.4 points.
One Jackson State player worth watching is Daeshun Ruffin, the first McDonald’s All-American to play for the program. Ruffin made his team debut against St. Louis on Monday. In two games, Ruffin averaged nine points, two rebounds and two assists.
Ruffin said he was excited to play for Jackson State coach Mo Williams, who enjoyed a successful 13-year NBA career.
“Coach Williams (has) been where I’m trying to go,” Ruffin said. “So, just getting that experience, I mean, that’s the biggest part. And also playing at home, in front of my own family and everybody that I grew up around.”
Iowa State has won 22 in a row on its home court. This will be the teams’ fourth all-time meeting, with the Cyclones holding a 3-0 lead.
–Field Level Media
