Georges Niang's career high helps Iowa State pull away

AMES, Ia. — Georges Niang scored a career-high 31 points as Iowa State turned a close game into an 84-63 rout against Buffalo Monday night at Hilton Coliseum.

The Cyclones’ seventh victory in a row happened a few hours after they were ranked second on the USA Today Coaches’ poll, the highest ranking in school history.

Buffalo (4-5) hung with Iowa State until it went on an 11-0 run of points that started with about 13 minutes left in the second half.

Niang added 12 rebounds in accomplishing his first double-double this season, and third of his career. Monte Morris scored 12 points — all in the second half — and he had 10 assists. Jameel McKay had 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Next up is Thursday’s 6:30 p.m. game against 7-2 Iowa at Hilton Coliseum. The game will be on ESPN2.