Cyclones Win In Otzelberger’s Debut

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State (1-0) opened the T.J. Otzelberger era with a victory Tuesday night, defeating Kennesaw State (0-1), 84-73 in Hilton Coliseum.

Otzelberger, who was an assistant coach at Iowa State for eight seasons for three different coaches, was named the 21st coach in Cyclone men’s basketball history in March. He won his debut behind an 18-point, six-rebound effort from Izaiah Brockington and 19 points from Gabe Kalscheur.

Tyrese Hunter had 11 points, six rebounds, five assists and four steals. Brockington, Kalscheur and Hunter were all making their Cyclone debuts.

Otzelberger preached all preseason the importance of stingy defense, and the Cyclones didn’t disappoint by forcing 24 turnovers and recording 14 steals.

ISU had 19 points off turnovers.

Iowa State held an eight-point lead at the break and led by 17 points (62-45) with 9:50 left in the game. But the Owls battled back, trimming the lead to six points on a couple of occasions. Tre Jackson hit a couple of 3-pointers and Caleb Grill hit a big trey from the corner to give the Cyclones a 76-67 lead with 3:32 remaining.

Grill scored nine of his 11 points and Jackson had seven of his 10 points after intermission.

Iowa State head coaches are now 18-3 in their Cyclone debuts.

The teams combined to commit 57 fouls.

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Otzelberger likes the potential of this team on the defensive end.

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He says the Cyclones need to do a better job of guarding without fouling.

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Iowa State plays host to Oregon State on Friday (Nov. 12). Tipoff is at 7 p.m. CT

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