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Iowa State Cyclones Outlast Houston Cougars with Second Half Surge

The Iowa State Cyclones improved their record to 6-2 after a hard-fought victory over the Houston Cougars, who now stand at 7-1. The game concluded with a score of 70-67 in favor of the Clones. This matchup was held at James H. Hilton Coliseum, where the home crowd witnessed an intense battle between two top-ranked teams.


Feb 16, 2026; Ames, Iowa, USA;  Iowa State Cyclones forward Dominykas Pleta (21) reacts during the first half at James H. Hilton Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images

First Half


The first half saw both teams exchanging leads multiple times, with neither side able to establish dominance early on. The Cyclones managed to take a slight edge by halftime, leading 43-40. Tamin Lipsey played a crucial role for ISU during this period, contributing significantly with his scoring and playmaking abilities.


Second Half


In the second half, the Clones capitalized on their defensive prowess and bench strength to maintain their lead over H-Town. Iowa State's defense forced several turnovers from the Coogs while also limiting their shooting efficiency. Joshua Jefferson stood out for ISU by providing key rebounds and assists that helped sustain momentum in crucial moments.


Feb 16, 2026; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa State Cyclones guard Anthony Rise (7) shoots over Iowa State Cyclones guard Jamarion Batemon (1) during the second half at James H. Hilton Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images

Final Outcome


As the game progressed towards its conclusion, both teams displayed resilience and determination. However, it was Iowa State's ability to convert points off turnovers that ultimately secured them victory against Houston's formidable lineup. The Iowa State Cyclones vs Houston Cougars final score reflected how closely contested this encounter was throughout all periods.


Looking ahead for fans eager about upcoming games: mark your calendars as ISU will face BYU Cougars next on February 21st at Marriott Center in Provo; tune into ESPN at 10:30 PM EST for live coverage! Share this article if you enjoyed reading about these exciting matchups!


Feb 16, 2026; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa State Cyclonesh4 defends the shot from Iowa State Cyclones guard Killyan Toure (27) during the first half at James H. Hilton Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images
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