Iowa State was missing the top three point shooter in the Big 12 tonight, and it showed in a somewhat listless effort against Northern Illinois. Looking like a team that had partied a little too hard on New Year's Eve (looking at you Jordan Railey), Iowa State shot just 36% without Scott Christopherson on the floor. Part of the reason, no doubt, was Diante Garrett starting the game 0-12 from the field. Garrett, however, would finish 8-12 after those first twelve mulligans, and ended up leading ISU in scoring with 22. Bubu Palo started in place of Christopherson, and more or less took up space on the floor. Jake Anderson played well against his former team with 16 points, while Calvin Godfrey was strong off the bench with 9 points and 9 boards. 

Tonight's game is one to move on and forget. Ugly, ugly basketball. But it's another win. The real season is now upon us.