Boozer gets career high, but Iowa State struggles in 73-71 win over North Dakota State

Iowa State tops North Dakota State 73-71

AMES, Iowa — Charles Boozer scored a career-high 19 points, Craig Brackins contributed 15 points and 11 rebounds and Iowa State pulled out an uninspired 73-71 victory over North Dakota State on Saturday.

Iowa State (11-4) survived numerous defensive breakdowns and Brackins’ 6-of-20 shooting to escape in its final tuneup for Wednesday night’s Big 12 opener against No. 2 Texas.

The Cyclones trailed by six in the first half, and they were down three midway through the second half and before finally nailing down the win with late 3-pointers by Lucca Staiger and Boozer. But they weren’t sure of winning until North Dakota State’s Michael Tveidt missed a closely guarded 3-point shot just before the buzzer.

Josh Vaughan led North Dakota State (5-10) with 22 points and found numerous open looks on the perimeter while going 6 of 11 from 3-point range. Eric Carlson scored 17 for the Bison, who have lost six of seven.

(This version CORRECTS the date of the Big 12 opener in the 2nd paragraph.)