ISU falls short against KU; awaits NCAA Tournament bid - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

The third time was not the charm for Iowa State against Kansas in the Big 12 tournament semifinals.

The Cyclones jumped out to a quick 12-4 lead, but trailed at five at halftime.

Behind 23 points from Perry Ellis, the Jayhawks defeated the Cyclones 88-73, eliminating any hopes of an automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament.

The last time Iowa State won the Big 12 tourney was back in 2000-2001 season.

The Cyclones have now lost 16 of the past 17 games against the Jayhawks.

"It's our rival. It's our third time meeting again," senior Tyrus McGee said.  "We wanted revenge and obviously, we didn't get that."

"They'd go down and score and we'd think we'd have to get it back in five seconds," freshman Georges Niang added.  "You know how Kansas gets.  I felt like we were in Fog Allen again where you turn the ball over and it gets louder and louder and louder."

"We got ourselves too deep and we weren't able to dig ourselves out of it," Melvin Ejim said.  "It's unfortunate because we really wanted it."

The Cyclones will likely make the NCAA Tournament.  They're find out where they'll be dancing on Selection Sunday.