AMES, Iowa (AP) — Dustin Hogue was supposed to be a complimentary piece for Iowa State.
It looks as if he’s ready for a bigger role.
Hogue set career highs with 22 points and 16 rebounds, and the 17th-ranked Cyclones pounded Auburn 99-70 on Monday night for their sixth straight win.
Melvin Ejim added 14 points and 10 boards for Iowa State (6-0), which is the Big 12’s last unbeaten team. It was Ejim’s 23rd career double-double.
The Cyclones grabbed control with a 27-5 run midway through the first half, and they finished with 28 assists on 33 field goals.
Hogue had 16 points and 12 rebounds in the first half as the Cyclones raced out to a 19-point lead that grew to as many as 35 in the second half.
It was by far the best outing to date for Hogue, a junior college transfer who surprisingly has emerged as one of Iowa State’s best players.
“The thing that’s impressed me about him is just his overall basketball I.Q.,” Iowa State coach Fred Hoiberg said. “He knows when to space the floor. He knows when to cut. He’s a very good passer. He gets that thing off the board and it’s a quick outlet to get the break our going. He just does so many things.”
Chris Denson scored 27 points and KT Harrell had 19 for Auburn (4-2), which shot 35.5 percent from the field and got beat on the boards 47-36.