Iowa State survived a cold shooting night to down Northern Illinois 72-63. The Cyclones connected on only 36% of their shots from the field but made enough to earn a seventh straight win.

Iowa State coach Fred Hoiberg says they will have games like this where they have to grind it out and get the win. He says the defense kept them in the ballgame. Hoiberg was not happy with the way the Cyclones rebounded. They were beaten 46-36 on the boards.

He says they can’t give up offensive rebounds like they did in Big 12 play or they will get hammered.

Iowa State closes non-conference play with a record of 13-2 and will open the Big-12 race at Nebraska on Saturday.