Iowa State prevails over Dayton in thrilling Maui Invitational showdown

In Lahaina, Hawaii on November 26, 2024, the No. 5 Iowa State Cyclones faced off against the Dayton Flyers in an intense matchup during the Maui Invitational tournament. The game was characterized by a back-and-forth struggle, featuring 11 ties and 10 lead changes. Iowa State fell behind by nine points late in the first half but demonstrated resilience and determination to rally back, ultimately securing an 89-84 victory. Keshon Gilbert emerged as the star player, contributing 24 points, while Curtis Jones added 19 points to the scoreboard. The Iowa State Cyclones showcased their tenacity, overcoming a 41-37 halftime deficit. Gilbert's performance was particularly noteworthy as he made a significant impact in the closing moments of the game. With under a minute left, he was fouled while attempting a putback and was awarded two free throws after the foul was reviewed and upgraded to a flagrant-1. His successful free throws and subsequent driving layup allowed Iowa State to gain an important lead that they maintained until the final buzzer. Despite Iowa State's prominent position as a leading team in scoring defense, Dayton's offense posed a challenge, shooting an impressive 58% from the field. Malachi Smith of Dayton distinguished himself by scoring a career-high 22 points, further emphasizing the competitive nature of the game. The Cyclones' ability to execute under pressure, particularly at the free-throw line where they converted 25 of 29 attempts, was critical to their success. Following this victory, Iowa State plans to take on Colorado for fifth place in the tournament, while Dayton will compete against No. 2 UConn for seventh place. This matchup not only highlighted individual talents such as Gilbert and Smith but also underscored the competitive spirit of college basketball, particularly in high-stakes environments like the Maui Invitational, where teams have everything to prove on the court. The outcomes of these games could also have implications for NCAA rankings and the trajectory of both teams in the upcoming season.