Ben Simons scored 24 points as Drake defeated visiting Iowa State, 74-65, avenging last season's 48-point defeat.

Rayvonte Rice added 18 points for the Bulldogs (2-0), who ended a two-game losing streak in their longtime series with the Cyclones (1-1).

In the 171st meeting between the schools, Drake completely reversed its fortunes from the 91-43 drubbing it received a season ago in this in-state rivalry, holding the lead for the majority of the game.

Following a 3-pointer from Tyrus McGee that gave Iowa State a short-lived 49-47 advantage midway through the second half, Rice scored the next seven points that gave the Bulldogs a lead they would not relinquish.

Iowa State, which fell behind by as many as 10 points with 2:27 remaining, closed to within 68-67 on a 9-0 run over the next 87 seconds, but Simons answered with a basket and a pair of free throws to end the threat.

Royce White finished with 21 points and 14 rebounds to record his second double-double in as many games for the Cyclones, who failed in their attempt to open 2-0 for the 10th straight season.