No. 8 Iowa State Cruises to Exhibition Win Over Central

Cyclones start season with 105-51 blowout

No. 8 Iowa State cruised to a 105-51 exhibition win over Central College on Monday night at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa. The Cyclones, who are coming off their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2019, were led by Jaren Holmes, who scored 23 points on 8-of-13 shooting. Gabe Kalscheur added 18 points, while Aljaz Kunc and Caleb Grill each scored 13.

Iowa State shot 54.5% from the field and 38.5% from three-point range. The Cyclones also outrebounded Central 51-26 and forced 21 turnovers.

Holmes, Kalscheur lead the way for Iowa State

Holmes and Kalscheur were the two most impressive players on the court for Iowa State on Monday night. Holmes was efficient from the field and showed off his athleticism with a couple of dunks. Kalscheur was also efficient from the field and hit a pair of three-pointers.

The two guards are expected to be the leaders of the Iowa State offense this season, and they showed why with their performances on Monday night.

Cyclones defense dominates Central

Iowa State's defense was dominant against Central. The Cyclones forced 21 turnovers and held the Dutch to just 33.3% shooting from the field. Central was also just 2-of-15 from three-point range.

The Cyclones' defense was led by Kunc, who had three steals and two blocks. Grill and Holmes each added two steals.

Iowa State looks ahead to regular season

Iowa State will open the regular season on Monday, November 7, at home against Omaha. The Cyclones are expected to be one of the top teams in the Big 12 this season, and they have a chance to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

Iowa State's exhibition win over Central was a good start to the season, but the Cyclones will need to continue to improve if they want to reach their goals.