Melvin Ejim came off the bench to score 15 points and grab a career-high 15 rebounds as Iowa State took control early then withstood a valiant comeback by Mississippi Valley State during a 67-65 victory on Saturday in Ames, Iowa. The Cyclones (10-3) have won five straight games as they prepare to host Texas on Jan. 4 in the Big 12 Conference opener.

Despite leading scorer and rebounder Royce White only playing three minutes in the first half because of flu-like symptoms, Iowa State used a 29-6 early in the first half to turn a six-point deficit into a 31-14 lead. The Cyclones led 36-23 at halftime and would lead by 18 just a minute into the second half before the visiting Delta Devils (1-11) started making 3-pointers and eventually got within 62-59 with just over a minute remaining. Iowa State made 5 of 6 free throws to hold on for the win.

Ejim's first double-double off the season was key as the ISU bench outscored MVSU's 43-19. Anthony Booker also came off the bench to add 10 points. Leading 67-62 with 1.3 seconds remaining, Chris Allen made a pair of free throws that were needed as MVSU's Cor-J Cox drained a 3-pointer from halfcourt at the buzzer to finish the scoring. Terrence Joyner paced MVSU with 14 points while Cox, Kevin Burwell, and Paul Crosby added 11 each.

The Delta Devils have lost seven straight and play their first home game of the season on Jan. 3 when they host Arkansas-Pine Bluff in its SWAC opener.