Iowa State’s Thrilling Victory Over Houston
On February 17, a thrilling basketball match unfolded in Ames, Iowa, where sixth-ranked Iowa State secured a stunning 70-67 win over the second-ranked Houston team. The victory was a testament to Iowa State’s resilience, as they rallied back from a 10-point deficit in the second half to claim the match. Houston’s head coach Kelvin Sampson acknowledged Iowa State’s tenacity, stating,
“They stepped up and made the crucial plays that we didn’t.”
Key Moments of the Game
The turning point came dramatically in the final moments, led by Nate Heise’s critical three-pointer with just 77 seconds on the clock. Earlier in the game, Heise faced a brief scare when he got poked in the eye but managed to shake it off and contribute significantly to the team’s success. Before the climactic moment, Heise had predicted either he or teammate Jamarion Batemon would deliver a game-winning three-pointer, a prophecy that came to fruition amidst a breakdown in Iowa State’s offensive setup.
Joshua Jefferson, faced with a collapsing play, made an astute pass from the top of the key to Heise in the corner, who executed the shot flawlessly, sealing the momentum for Iowa State. Heise remarked on the need for an aggressive mindset in such moments, attributing his success to muscle memory born of practice.
Contributions from Key Players
Contributing to Iowa State’s comeback were other key players. Batemon, who was originally set to leave the game for a substitution, found himself on the court due to a missed free throw by Houston’s Milos Uzan. He capitalized on his time, hitting a three-pointer that supported Iowa State’s charge. The team’s relationship dynamic shone through, as coach T.J. Otzelberger praised Milan Momcilovic’s supportive demeanor when Batemon excelled.
Tamin Lipsey, a senior and local hero from Ames, also stood out for his critical plays throughout the match, embodying the unexpected moments that made the game compelling. His most pivotal contribution came late in the game when he seized a rebound off a missed free throw from Blake Buchanan, ensuring Iowa State maintained its lead.
Impressive Discipline and Future Prospects
The match saw an impressive run from Iowa State, highlighted by a remarkable 18-minute stretch without a turnover against a formidable Houston defense known for forcing mistakes. This rare discipline was essential in overcoming a highly competitive Houston team, and both squads are anticipated to be strong contenders for the Final Four this season.
With Heise’s decisive three-pointer echoing through the rafters of Hilton Coliseum, reminiscent of memorable past performances, Iowa State showcased their potential by outmaneuvering a top-tier opponent on their home turf. Sampson’s comments encapsulated the essence of the victory: it’s about relentless effort on every possession, ultimately leading to triumph and unforgettable moments.
This article was adapted from a piece originally featured in USA TODAY, spotlighting Iowa State’s extraordinary victory over Houston.
