NASSAU, Bahamas – It was another strong defensive performance for the Iowa State men’s basketball team Monday, as the Cyclones beat BC Zalgiris Kaunas 78-52 at the Imperial Ballroom.

Iowa State jumped out to a 9-1 lead in less than three minutes and never trailed in the contest. Iowa State led 22-9 after the first quarter and extended the lead to 46-29 at the half. Iowa State came out firing in the third quarter, outscoring Zalgiris 24-9 to take a 70-38 lead. It was the third game of the week for Zalgiris, as they dropped games against South Carolina (86-60) and Creighton (76-62).

“Really proud of the way our guys started the game,” Iowa State Head Coach T.J. Otzelberger said. “We knew this team would be physical based on their first two games here this week. It’s always our goal to be the more aggressive team.”

Tre King led the Cyclones with 14 points, while Keshon Gilbert and Tamin Lipsey each had 12. Milan Momcilovic joined them in double figures with 10 points. Demarion Watson had five rebounds, while Omaha Biliew, Gilbert and Momcilovic each had four. Jackson Paveletzke had a game-high five assists, while Gilbert and Lipsey each had four. Gilbert had five steals, while King and Lipsey each had two. Ward blocked a pair of shots.

“I was happy with our balanced scoring attack, but even more impressed with three different guys having four or more assists each,” Otzelberger said.

The Cyclones were 29-of-61 (47%) from the field and 5-of-22 (22%) from 3-point range. Zalgiris was 18-of-39 (46%) from the floor and 9-of-17 (52%) from downtown. Iowa State forced 35 turnovers, scoring 36 points off turnovers. Iowa State held a 44-14 advantage in the paint.

Iowa State will play its final game on Wednesday against members of the Puerto Rico National Team. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. (CT). A link for live stats is available on Iowa State Men’s Basketball social media sites.