In an exhilarating matchup between college basketball powerhouses, the No. 5 Houston Cougars triumphed over the No. 8 Iowa State Cyclones with a final score of 68-59 at the Fertitta Center in Houston. The game, held on a Saturday afternoon, showcased the resilience and determination of both teams, with each side giving it their all in a thrilling showdown.
The Cyclones faced a tough challenge as they were without their top two scorers, Curtis Jones and Keshon Gilbert, who were sidelined due to illness and injury, respectively. Despite the absence of these key players, Iowa State put up a valiant effort on the court. Trailing by as many as 16 points at one stage, the Cyclones clawed their way back into the game, narrowing the gap to just one point as the clock wound down in the final four minutes.
Throughout the game, L.J. Cryer emerged as a standout performer for the Houston Cougars, delivering a stellar performance with a game-high 28 points, including an impressive 5-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc. Cryer’s clutch shots proved crucial for Houston, as he consistently came through for his team whenever Iowa State threatened to make a comeback.
Meanwhile, Milan Momcilovic played a pivotal role in Iowa State’s comeback bid, scoring all 16 of his points in the second half after a slow start. Additionally, Nate Heise, in his first start for the Cyclones, contributed 12 points and hit two crucial 3-pointers to keep Iowa State in the game. Tamin Lipsey also made his mark by nailing three 3-pointers and setting a new school record with 226 career steals, surpassing the previous record held by Monte Morris.
The game saw several momentum shifts, with both teams battling fiercely for control. At the 13-minute mark, the Cyclones found themselves trailing 15-13 but managed to stay in the game with timely 3-pointers from Heise and Lipsey. However, Houston soon went on a scoring spree, led by Cryer and Uzan, to build a significant lead of 30-15 with a 15-2 run.
Despite the uphill battle, Iowa State continued to fight back, narrowing the deficit to 11 points (40-29) at the start of the second half. A strong defensive effort by Lipsey, coupled with Momcilovic’s offensive contributions, fueled a remarkable 13-0 run that brought the Cyclones within striking distance of the Cougars.
As the game entered its final stages, Cryer’s scoring prowess shone through once again, with the guard delivering crucial baskets to maintain Houston’s lead. Although Iowa State mounted a spirited comeback, led by Momcilovic and Heise, Cryer’s steady hand and offensive firepower proved too much to overcome, ultimately sealing the victory for the Cougars.
Despite the loss, Iowa State displayed grit and determination throughout the game, showcasing their resilience in the face of adversity. The team’s performance, especially in the second half, highlighted their fighting spirit and never-say-die attitude, setting the stage for an exciting matchup in their upcoming game against Oklahoma State.
Looking ahead, Iowa State will be aiming to bounce back as they prepare to face off against Oklahoma State on Tuesday, February 25. The game promises to be another thrilling contest, with both teams hungry for a victory in the competitive landscape of college basketball. Stay tuned for more exciting hoops action as the Cyclones look to regroup and make a statement in their next matchup on ESPN+.
