Iowa State Beats Houston in Close Game

Iowa State's basketball team, ranked 6th, won a very close game against Houston, ranked 2nd. The final score was 70-67. This win helps Iowa State in the race to win the Big 12 title.
By Newsroom | Basketball, USA |

A late surge by No. 6 Iowa State resulted in a 70-67 victory over No. 2 Houston, significantly impacting the Big 12 men's basketball title chase. The closely contested game, played in a charged atmosphere at home for Iowa State, saw the Cyclones mount a crucial comeback in the final minutes, overcoming a deficit to secure their second consecutive win against a top-10 opponent.

Game Context and Timeline

The game between No. 6 Iowa State and No. 2 Houston occurred on Monday night, intensifying the Big 12 Conference standings. Iowa State entered the contest 10-3 in league play, trailing conference leader Houston. The victory propelled Iowa State to a 23-3 overall record and 10-3 in the Big 12, keeping them in contention for the conference title. Houston, before this loss, held an 11-2 Big 12 record and a 23-3 overall mark. The game also highlighted Iowa State's undefeated home record, now standing at 15-0 for the season. This win followed Iowa State's previous victory over then-No. 8 Kansas on the preceding Saturday.

Read More: Iowa State Beats Houston in Close Basketball Game

Heise 3 lifts No. 6 Iowa State past No. 2 Houston - 1

Key Moments and Performance Data

  • Decisive Run: Iowa State's victory was sealed by a 17-4 run in the closing stages of the game.

  • Go-Ahead Shot: Nate Heise is credited with hitting the go-ahead 3-pointer that gave Iowa State the lead.

  • Clinching Play: Tamin Lipsey secured the win with an offensive rebound and subsequent free throw in the final seconds.

  • Scoring Leaders for Iowa State:

  • Nate Heise: 11 points.

  • Keshon Jefferson: 12 points.

  • Tre King (Buchanan): 10 points.

  • Note: One source mentions Milan Momcilovic scoring eight points, though this is not consistently reported across all accounts.

  • Scoring Leaders for Houston:

  • L.J. Flemings: Game-high 22 points.

  • Emanuel Sharp: 16 points before halftime.

  • Milos Uzan: 11 points.

  • Rebounding: Houston showed dominance on the glass, particularly in the second half, outscoring Iowa State in second-chance points. Chris Cenac Jr. had a game-high 12 rebounds for Houston.

Iowa State's Comeback Narrative

The Cyclones demonstrated resilience, orchestrating a significant turnaround against the top-ranked Cougars.

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  • Iowa State trailed Houston, notably at 53-60 with under 8 minutes remaining.

  • The team then executed a 17-4 run to erase the deficit and take control of the game.

  • This comeback effort occurred in front of a strong home crowd, contributing to the "Hilton Magic" atmosphere.

Houston's Second-Half Performance

Despite leading for substantial portions of the game, Houston experienced a late-game falter.

Heise 3 lifts No. 6 Iowa State past No. 2 Houston - 2

  • The Cougars' defense, known for its efficacy, intensified after halftime, allowing them to outscore Iowa State 15-6 early in the second half and dominate rebounding.

  • Houston's starting guards, including Flemings, Uzan, and Sharp, accounted for a significant portion of their first-half points.

  • On Houston's final possession, Flemings lost his footing, leading to a missed shot by Chris Cenac Jr., effectively sealing their defeat.

Big 12 Title Implications

This outcome has tangible effects on the Big 12 Conference standings and the ongoing championship race.

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  • The victory injects "new life" into the Big 12 title chase, especially with other teams like Arizona facing recent losses.

  • Iowa State's current standing is 10-3 in league play, placing them a game behind Houston.

  • Houston's conference record is now 11-2.

  • Both teams are positioned among the nation's top programs, indicating a highly competitive conference season.

Expert and Analytical Observations

The game is characterized by Iowa State's home-court advantage and their ability to execute under pressure.

  • The "Hilton Magic" phenomenon is often cited as a factor in Iowa State's home success.

  • Houston's trademark defense, while strong for much of the game, ultimately could not withstand Iowa State's late offensive push.

  • The final possessions underscore the fine margins in elite college basketball contests.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

No. 6 Iowa State's hard-fought 70-67 victory over No. 2 Houston demonstrates the team's capability to perform in high-stakes matchups. The win is pivotal for their Big 12 title aspirations and solidifies their position as a top contender. For Houston, the loss serves as a setback in their quest for a conference championship, but their overall strong season record indicates they remain a formidable opponent. The Big 12 race now appears more open, with Iowa State firmly back in contention.

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Sources Used:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who won the basketball game between Iowa State and Houston?
Iowa State won the game with a score of 70-67.
Q: Was the game close?
Yes, it was a very close game, decided in the last few minutes.
Q: What does this win mean for the Big 12 title?
This win helps Iowa State stay in the race for the Big 12 basketball title.
Q: Where did the game take place?
The game was played at Iowa State's home court.
Q: Who were the top players?
For Houston, L.J. Flemings scored 22 points. For Iowa State, Nate Heise made the shot that gave them the lead.