LAWRENCE, Kan. — For almost three months Kansas basketball fans have been waiting for freshman forward Andrew Wiggins to have a breakout game, especially at home. Well, on Wednesday they got their wish.
Wiggins scored a career-high 29 points, which included six straight during a late second-half run, and Kansas (16-4, 7-0) defeated Iowa State for the second time in 16 days, 92-81.
The Cyclones (15-4, 3-4) played much better than they did the first time the two teams met in Ames, but were never able to build a lead over the Jayhawks, who remain the only unbeaten team in Big 12 play.
Wiggins scored his 29 points on 10-of-16 shooting from the field. He hit four of the six 3-pointers he attempted, five-of-six free throws and had seven rebounds and four turnovers.
Sophomore Perry Ellis scored 20 points, while freshman Joel Embiid added 14 points and 11 rebounds. Junior guard Naadir Tharpe had 12 points and 12 assists. Coach Bill Self said his team is getting even more difficult to play against.
“I think we’re getting harder to guard because we’re getting production from all five spots,” Self said.
Iowa State was led by Georges Niang who scored 24 points, while DeAndre Kane had 22 for the Cyclones. Kansas next plays Saturday at Texas. Iowa State will host Oklahoma on Saturday.
