Joshua Jefferson scores 30 points as No. 3 Iowa State runs past UCF 108-83
Iowa State guard Keshon Gilbert (10) celebrates with teammates during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against UCF Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, in Ames, Iowa. Credit: AP/Charlie Neibergall
AMES, Iowa — Joshua Jefferson scored a career-high 30 points to lead No. 3 Iowa State to its highest point total of the season in a 108-83 win over UCF on Tuesday night.
Keshon Gilbert had 21 points and eight assists, and Curtis Jones added 19 points for the Cyclones (16-2, 6-1 Big 12), who bounced back from a loss at West Virginia on Saturday.
Jefferson finished 9 of 14 from the field and 3 of 4 from 3-point range, becoming the first 30-point scorer for Iowa State this season.
Jordan Ivy-Curry scored 24 points to lead the Knights (12-6, 3-4) and Keyshawn Hall added 13.
The Cyclones came in averaging 83.8 points per game. They reached triple digits once before, in a 100-58 win over Jackson State on Dec. 8.
Takeaways
UCF: The Knights were outrebounded 27-13 in the first half.
Iowa State: The Cyclones had 16 steals, with Jefferson and Nate Heise leading the way with four apiece.
UCF center Moustapha Thiam (52) blocks a shot by Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson (2) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, in Ames, Iowa. Credit: AP/Charlie Neibergall
Key moment
An 11-0 run late in the first half helped Iowa State pull away.
Key stat
Iowa State center Dishon Jackson had a quiet night with five points, all from the free-throw line. He finished with one field goal attempt.
Up next
UCF hosts TCU and Iowa State visits Arizona State on Saturday.
