Nate Heise’s clutch three-pointer and Tamin Lipsey’s decisive rebound led No. 6 Iowa State to a dramatic 70-67 victory over the No. 2 Houston Cougars, who currently lead the Big 12 Conference. This thrilling matchup took place on Monday night in Ames, Iowa.
Key Highlights of the Game
- Final Score: Iowa State 70, Houston 67
- Location: Ames, Iowa
- Date: Monday night
- Iowa State Record: 23 wins, 3 losses (10-3 in conference)
- Houston Record: 23 wins, 3 losses (11-2 in conference)
Crucial Moments
The Cyclones executed a remarkable turnaround in this game, completing a 17-4 run in the final stretch. Heise delivered the pivotal three-pointer from the left corner with just 1:17 remaining, giving Iowa State a crucial 69-67 lead.
Houston had opportunities to regain momentum but faltered. They were penalized for a shot-clock violation with 43 seconds left. Subsequently, Chris Cenac Jr. missed a shot in the final seconds, allowing Iowa State to capitalize on the rebound.
Player Performances
- Joshua Jefferson: Led Iowa State with 12 points
- Nate Heise: Contributed 11 points, shooting 100% from three-point range
- Blake Buchanan: Added 10 points
- Kingston Flemings: Top scorer for Houston with 22 points
- Emanuel Sharp: Scored 16 points (all in the first half)
- Milos Uzan: Contributed 11 points
This win for Iowa State marks their second triumph over a top-10 team in just three days, having defeated No. 8 Kansas 74-56 on Saturday. Meanwhile, Houston’s six-game winning streak has now come to an end.
Upcoming Matches
- Houston: Will host No. 4 Arizona on Saturday
- Iowa State: Set to play at No. 23 BYU on Saturday
The outcome has tight implications for both teams in the conference standings. Iowa State sits third, trailing Houston by only one game. As the season progresses, both teams remain strong contenders for the title.
