Iowa State Stuns No. 2 Houston with Late Rally, 70-67

Nate Heise's clutch 3-pointer lifts Cyclones over previously undefeated Cougars

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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In a thrilling matchup, the No. 6 Iowa State Cyclones delivered a stunning 70-67 victory over the previously undefeated and No. 2 ranked Houston Cougars. The win was fueled by a late-game surge and a clutch 3-pointer from Nate Heise, which proved to be the decisive moment. The victory not only snapped Houston's six-game winning streak but also tightened the race for the Big 12 title, with Iowa State now just a game behind the Cougars.

Why it matters

This victory is a statement win for Iowa State, showcasing their ability to compete with the nation's elite programs. The loss for Houston also has significant implications for the Big 12 standings, as the Cougars now hold just a half-game lead over No. 4 Arizona, setting up a crucial matchup this Saturday.

The details

Nate Heise's go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:17 remaining proved to be the decisive moment. But the story extends beyond the court, as Heise's sister, Taylor Heise, scored a goal for the U.S. Women's Olympic hockey team earlier in the day, adding an extra layer of excitement to the evening. Iowa State's victory wasn't built on a dominant first half, but on a relentless 17-4 closing run that overcame the Cougars. Joshua Jefferson led Iowa State with 12 points, while Heise and Blake Buchanan contributed 11 and 10 points respectively. For Houston, Kingston Flemings topped the scoring charts with 22 points.

  • The game was played on Monday, February 17, 2026.
  • Nate Heise's game-winning 3-pointer came with 1:17 remaining in the game.

The players

Nate Heise

An Iowa State player who hit the game-winning 3-pointer to lift the Cyclones to victory over Houston.

Taylor Heise

Nate Heise's sister, who scored a goal for the U.S. Women's Olympic hockey team earlier in the day.

Joshua Jefferson

The leading scorer for Iowa State, with 12 points in the game.

Blake Buchanan

An Iowa State player who contributed 10 points to the Cyclones' victory.

Kingston Flemings

The leading scorer for Houston, with 22 points in the game.

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What’s next

Houston will look to rebound against No. 4 Arizona on Saturday, while Iowa State faces a challenging road game at No. 23 BYU, also on Saturday. Both games will be pivotal in shaping the Big 12 standings.

The takeaway

This victory showcases Iowa State's ability to compete with the nation's elite programs, as they have now defeated two top-10 teams in just three days. The loss for Houston also tightens the race for the Big 12 title, setting up an exciting finish to the season.