West Virginia bench erupts in 97-87 win over Iowa State

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Behind Jaysean Paige's career-high 34 points and Tarik Phillip's 22, No. 13 West Virginia's reserve guards delivered the knockout blows in a 97-87 win over No. 17 Iowa State on Monday.

The Mountaineers (21-7, 10-5) enjoyed a massive 69-10 edge in bench scoring to sweep the home-and-home series from the Cyclones (19-9, 8-7).

Paige made only 1-of-6 from 3-point range but carved up the Cyclones on drives down the lane and made all nine free throws. Phillip picked up the slack from deep, making 6-of-8 on 3s, and dishing out six assists.

Forward Abdel Nader's 23 points led Iowa State (19-9, 8-7), which was outrebounded 43-29.

Forward Georges Niang scored 14 for the Cyclones but drew a second-half technical and fouled out late. Matt Thomas scored 14 and Monte Morris and Donte Burton added 13 each.

West Virginia, which broke a two-game skid, got 13 points and nine rebounds from forward Devin Williams.

Averaging 13.4 points per game, Paige exploded for 17 early, including eight in 96 seconds before halftime. West Virginia led 49-41 at the break.

The Mountaineers' reserves did all the damage in a 12-0 run that built a 20-14 lead, and by intermission the edge in bench scoring was 30-4.

Despite sinking its first five field-goal attempts and shooting 58 percent in the first half, Iowa State trailed thanks to the Mountaineers holding a 14-0 edge in points off turnovers.

Morris, after committing only two turnovers in five previous games against Wes Virginia, had three in the opening half.

The Cyclones also were beaten on the glass early, continuing a string of nine consecutive games in which they were outrebounded.