Iowa State Rallies to Defeat No. 2 Houston

Cyclones secure another top-10 win with late-game heroics

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The No. 6 Iowa State Cyclones rallied in the final minutes to defeat the second-ranked Houston Cougars 70-67 on Monday night. Nate Heise hit a go-ahead three-pointer with 1:17 remaining, and Tamin Lipsey came up with a crucial offensive rebound in the closing seconds to seal the victory for the Cyclones.

Why it matters

This win over a top-10 opponent continues Iowa State's impressive season and keeps them in the hunt for the Big 12 title. The Cyclones have now defeated two top-10 teams in the span of three days, showcasing their ability to compete with the best teams in the country.

The details

Heise's three-pointer gave Iowa State a 69-67 lead, and the Cyclones held on after Houston missed a potential game-tying shot in the final seconds. Joshua Jefferson sealed the win by making one of two free throws. Iowa State closed the game on a 17-4 run to overcome the Cougars, who had their six-game winning streak snapped.

  • The game was played on Monday, February 17, 2026.
  • Iowa State topped No. 8 Kansas 74-56 on Saturday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Nate Heise

A player for the Iowa State Cyclones who hit the go-ahead three-pointer in the final minutes of the game.

Tamin Lipsey

An Iowa State player who came up with a crucial offensive rebound in the closing seconds to help seal the victory for the Cyclones.

Joshua Jefferson

An Iowa State player who made a free throw in the final seconds to provide the final margin of victory.

Kingston Flemings

The leading scorer for the Houston Cougars with 22 points.

Emanuel Sharp

A Houston player who scored 16 points, all in the first half.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The Cyclones will look to continue their strong play on Saturday when they face off against newly top-ranked Michigan in a non-conference showdown.

The takeaway

Iowa State's victory over the second-ranked Cougars showcases the team's ability to compete with the best teams in the country and keeps them in the hunt for the Big 12 title. The Cyclones have now defeated two top-10 opponents in the span of three days, further cementing their status as one of the top teams in college basketball this season.