KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Iowa State (5-0, 0-0 Big 12) rallied from a 15-point first half deficit to down VCU (3-2, 0-0 A10) Thanksgiving afternoon, shooting 60 percent from the floor in the second stanza to earn its fifth win of the season.

Iowa State has now won the opening round of a Thanksgiving tournament for the third straight season, starting 5-0 for the third straight season.

For the first time this season, Iowa State faced adversity, trailing for the majority of the game as the Rams held the advantage for over 35 minutes of game time.

The Cyclone rally was spearheaded by their starting backcourt, as guards Tamin Lipsey and Keshon Gilbert had themselves an afternoon, each dropping 22 points in a comeback ISU effort. Gilbert matched a career-high with 10 rebounds, earning his first career double-double.

Lipsey surpassed his personal best of 21 points, dropping 22 huge ones – 14 of which came in the second half. Gilbert was able to control the game throughout the second period, getting to the foul line at will as the UNLV transfer went 12-15 from the charity stripe.

Robert Jones chipped in 12 points with five rebounds and was a consistent presence for the Cyclones throughout the afternoon, going 6-7 from the field.

Top Performers

Gilbert and Lipsey each had a whale of a contest, earning co-players of the game. Gilbert went for 22 points with 10 boards, cashing 12 freebies at the line to go along with a pair of assists. Lipsey meanwhile matched Gilbert’s offensive output, pulling down seven boards and knocking down a pair of three-balls.

Notes

• Tre King has now played in over 500 minutes of action at ISU.
• Tamin Lipsey recorded a new career-high with 22 points, surpassing his previous best of 21 against Lindenwood.
  • He has now played over 1,100 minutes in a Cyclone uniform.
  • Lipsey has surpassed 150 career rebounds and now sits at 154.
• Keshon Gilbert eclipsed the 500 career points mark, now sitting at 516.
• Robert Jones has now recorded 103 offensive boards with the Cyclones, pulling down four today.
  • Jones also is over 450 career boards, currently sitting at 453.

What’s Next

Iowa State will be back in action tomorrow, Nov. 24, facing Virginia Tech in the ESPN Events Invitational Semifinals. Tomorrow’s action is set for 4:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN2.