DeKALB — After a 22-point win Saturday at Chicago State University, NIU did not have enough to fend off Iowa State University Monday. The Huskies fell 94-80, giving them a 1-1 record on their two-game road trip.

The Huskies were unable to carry over their first half success to the second, as they led 38-36 heading into the break. The Huskies shot nearly 55 percent from the field and got a scoring punch from sophomore guard Eugene German, who added 12 first half points.

We controlled the tempo [in the first half]. We only had six turnovers. We out-rebounded them [Iowa State] by five. We had the game where we wanted it.”

The momentum quickly shifted as Iowa State opened the second half on a 14-6 run to take a 50-44 lead. The Cyclones knocked down nine 3-pointers in the second half and led by as many as 19 points. Iowa State outscored the Huskies 58-42 in the second half and finished with a 14-point victory.

“They came out [in the second half] and made threes in transition,” Montgomery said. “We couldn’t get to those shooters fast enough. They were knocking down shots early before we could get our defense set. Their strong second half had us playing on our heels.”

The Huskies were led by German, who finished with a career-high 28 points while shooting 50 percent from the field. Montgomery alluded to German’s competitive nature and unwillingness to back down even against Iowa State, who is ranked No. 28 the nation.

“Eugene German comes out aggressive in every game,” Montgomery said. “It doesn’t matter who we’re playing. He got us off to a good start. He’s a competitor. He’s a fighter. He got us the lead and kept us in the game. He played well.”

Junior guard Dante Thorpe also had a nice game, scoring a season-high 19 points while shooting 8-of-12 from the field. Junior forward Levi Bradley fell one rebound short of a double-double, scoring 13 points and grabbing nine rebounds.

Montgomery said he understands there are positive aspects the team can take away from this game, particularly in the first half.

“We outplayed them in the first 20 minutes,” said Montgomery. “We played in a tough environment and battled [Iowa State] hard for 30 minutes. When they go on a run, we just have to have greater patience to get what we want offensively. We also have to make sure we get stops on the other end. It is a make or miss game, but it also is a defend and rebound game [in order] to give yourself an opportunity [to win].”

NIU will return home for its next game against Central Connecticut State University. The game will tip off 12 p.m. Saturday at the Convocation Center.