Iowa State Cyclones Defeat Houston Cougars in Gritty Matchup

Cyclones overcome second-half deficit to secure three-point victory over top-ranked Cougars

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The Iowa State Cyclones secured a hard-fought victory over the Houston Cougars in a marquee Big 12 matchup. Despite trailing in the second half, the Cyclones rallied behind strong performances from their bench players to pull out the win and cement their status as a top Final Four contender.

Why it matters

This victory over a highly ranked Houston team solidifies Iowa State's position as one of the top teams in the country. The Cyclones have now proven they can win tough, close games against elite competition, which will be crucial come tournament time.

The details

Iowa State jumped out to a 43-point first half, showcasing their offensive firepower. However, Houston fought back in the second half to take the lead. The Cyclones relied on bench players Nate Heise and Jamarion Batemon to hit key three-pointers down the stretch, while point guard Tamin Lipsey made crucial plays to seal the victory.

  • The game was played on Big Monday, a marquee college basketball showcase.
  • This victory comes just days after Iowa State's win over rival Kansas.

The players

Milan Momcilovic

A key contributor for the Cyclones, scoring 8 points in the first half.

Tamin Lipsey

Iowa State's starting point guard, made crucial plays down the stretch to secure the win.

Nate Heise

Came off the bench to hit a key three-pointer to help the Cyclones rally.

Jamarion Batemon

Also came off the bench to knock down a crucial three-pointer for Iowa State.

Houston Cougars

A highly ranked team that pushed Iowa State to the brink before the Cyclones rallied for the victory.

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What’s next

The Cyclones will look to build on this signature win as they continue their push towards a potential Final Four berth.

The takeaway

Iowa State's gritty victory over Houston demonstrates the team's resilience and ability to win tough, close games against elite competition. This win solidifies the Cyclones' status as a top contender for the NCAA Tournament.