No. 3 Iowa State Defeats Houston Christian 89-61

AMES, Iowa — Joshua Jefferson scored a season-high 23 points to lead No. 3 Iowa State to an 89-61 victory over Houston Christian on Monday night, extending the Cyclones' undefeated nonconference record to 13-0.

The game, played at Hilton Coliseum, marked Iowa State's return to action after a holiday break. The Cyclones, who last won 91-60 against Long Beach State on Dec. 20, built a 14-point lead in the first half and stretched it to 31 by the second, dominating throughout. Blake Buchanan contributed 16 points, including five dunks, while Milan Momcilovic added 13 points for Iowa State. Killyan Toure chipped in 11.

Jefferson's performance was a highlight, as he reached 1,000 career points during the contest. Before tipoff, Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger posed with Jefferson to celebrate the milestone. The forward's scoring outburst helped Iowa State maintain control, outscoring Houston Christian by 28 points overall.

For the Huskies, who fell to 5-8, Demari Williams led with 19 points. Ryan Bartley and D'Aundre Samuels each scored 14, but the team struggled to keep pace. Houston Christian entered on a three-game losing streak, having last played on Dec. 17 in a Southland...