Iowa State pulls away to beat Texas Tech 72-54

(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

By LUKE MEREDITH

AMES, Iowa (AP) Scott Christopherson and Melvin Ejim each scored 17 points and Iowa State pulled away for a 72-54 victory over Texas Tech on Wednesday night, reaching 20 wins for the first time in eight years.

Royce White had 13 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists for the Cyclones (20-8, 10-5 Big 12), who also earned 10 wins in the Big 12 for the first time since 2001.

Iowa State struggled at times against the Big 12's worst team, though. The Cyclones trailed by four at halftime, let the Red Raiders shoot nearly 46 percent and didn't push their lead into double digits until just over 6 minutes were left.

Jaye Crockett had 17 points for the Red Raiders (8-19, 1-14), who remain winless on the road in the Big 12.

Updated February 22, 2012