Fred Hoiberg And Iowa State Flex Unexpected Muscle Against Kansas Jayhawks

No one saw this one coming. The Kansas Jayhawks were riding a 10-game winning streak and had exhibited a mastery over the Big 12 so far this season. Surely Iowa State wasn't going to be the program that would take them down. But Fred Hoiberg, the team's new coach and former star player, had other things in mind. In today's 72-64 win, the Jayhawks were shown up and gave the Cyclones new life for the second half of the Big 12 season.

ESPN's Myron Medcalf was impressed with Royce White</a> and the rest of the Cyclones and says they're here to stay in what is becoming a very formidable Big 12 conference.

Medcalf writes, "Many laughed when Fred Hoiberg began his tenure at Iowa State by recruiting from a pool of players known for their checkered pasts. Royce White, who left Minnesota two seasons ago after a tumultuous stay, led the bunch. But Hoiberg looks like a genius right now after the Cyclones handed No. 5 KU its first Big 12 loss of the season. The win snapped both the Jayhawks' 13-game winning streak over Iowa State and their 10-game overall winning streak (they hadn’t lost since Dec. 19)."

Kansas Vs. Iowa State Final Score: Jayhawks Fall To Cyclones For First Big 12 Loss

The Kansas Jayhawks were upset by the Iowa St. Cyclones 72-64 and the loss was the first Big 12 loss for Kansas. Iowa State's defense held the Kansas offense to 11 points below their scoring average. Iowa State was up for hosting Kansas and they showed it in the first half as they led by eight multiple times during the first half.

Kansas Vs. Iowa State Halftime Update: Cyclones Claw Ahead Of Jayhawks 37-34

Give credit to the Iowa State Cyclones for giving the No. 5 team in the country a fight in the Hilton Coliseum at Ames, Iowa. The Kansas Jayhawks have weathered the storm but find themselves down 36-33 versus Fred Hoiberg's basketball team in this Big 12 matchup.

NCAA player of the year candidate Thomas Robinson has struggled mightily thus far, as the forward has just 4 points on 1-6 shooting in the first half. Kansas has received their main production from Tyshawn Taylor (9 points, 5 assists) and Jeff Withey (8 points) thus far.

Melvin Ejim has 11 points and 6 rebounds for the Cyclones as Iowa State is out-rebounding Kansas 18-11 through 20 minutes of play. Kansas is undefeated in conference play while Iowa State is looking for a marquee win to solidify their resume for the championship tournament in March.

For more on this game Kansas fans should check out Rock Chalk Talk and Iowa State fans should stop by Wide Right & Natty Lite. For more news and analysis on College Basketball head on over to SB Nation's College Basketball page.

Kansas Vs. Iowa State Basketball: Game Preview, TV Schedule

Kansas is looking for its 14th straight win over Iowa State when they travel to Hilton Coliseum on Saturday.

Avoiding 'Hilton Magic' Could Prove Big For Kansas Basketball Against Iowa State

Kansas has an opportunity to really cement their position on top of the Big 12 if they can pass a tough test against Iowa State in Ames