The Iowa State men were ready for a big win Monday night at the Maui Invitational. But as those who followed throughout the day saw, the island tournament caused nothing but utter chaos.

After watching an 18-point lead slip away, the Cyclones still had the ball and a chance to win it. But a turnover led to a tip-in basket for the Tigers, who won 83-81.

Connecticut, the two-time defending champion ranked No. 2, lost in overtime to Memphis earlier in the day, while No. 12 North Carolina erased a huge halftime deficit to stun Dayton. All three games ended with two points each as Michigan State topped Colorado in the other quarterfinal, 72-56.

Fifth-ranked Iowa State was defeated by No. 4 Auburn, 35-27, including 10-5 on the offensive glass. Keshon Gilbert scored 23 points, Curtis Jones had 14 and Dishon Jackson added 13.

“It was a great first half for us,” Otzelberger said. “In the second half we had to be more aggressive both defensively and on the glass. They brought the fight to us, played one more time and won.”

After Gilbert and Jones’ play, the Cyclones built a 49-33 lead at the half. However, it was the Tigers who came out of the break with the intensity, stealing the momentum by shooting 18-for-33 during that time.

Iowa State (3-1) will now look to regroup as they prepare to face Dayton in the consolation bracket.

“We know this is a great opportunity for us to tap into this feeling and use it,” Otzelberger said. “It’s a quick turnaround and we can take advantage of it (Tuesday).

* Game recap of Iowa State’s loss to Auburn

* Cyclones remain in fifth place in both polls

* Watch, stream Iowa State vs. Dayton Tuesday evening