Niang leads Iowa State past Little Rock 78-61

Iowa State forward Georges Niang drives for a shot against Arkansas Little Rock during the second half of a second-round men's college basketball game Saturday, March 19, 2016, in the NCAA Tournament in Denver. Iowa State won 78-61. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) Iowa State forward Georges Niang drives for a shot against Arkansas Little Rock during the second half of a second-round men's college basketball game Saturday, March 19, 2016, in the NCAA Tournament in Denver. Iowa State won 78-61. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

By Associated Press March 19, 2016 5 min read

DENVER (AP) – Georges Niang is going back to the Sweet 16, and this time he won’t be in a walking boot.

The senior forward’s dominant performance helped Iowa State roll over Little Rock 78-61 on Saturday in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

“Yeah, he’s a pro,” Little Rock coach Chris Beard said. “He’s going to play on TNT. I think he’ll play in the NBA.”

His college career will last at least another week.

“This is sweet,” said Niang, revealing that teammate Naz Long razzed him before the game, suggesting he “didn’t earn the last Sweet 16 you were in” after breaking his right foot in the opening round his sophomore season.