When the level of competition stepped up, so did the ISU women’s basketball team.

Searching for a much-needed win after three straight losses, Iowa State got its satisfaction with a 67-54 victory over No. 22 Texas.

The game was a sweet relief after the Cyclones’ (15-3, 2-3 Big 12) heartwrenching home loss to Oklahoma State on Saturday and was the first win over a ranked team since Feb. 5, 2005. That team was No. 13 Texas.

“This team has been through a tough time lately, and to see them enjoy this moment and be in the moment is great,” said ISU coach Bill Fennelly. “I’m very proud of their effort and they can walk out of here tonight proud of what they accomplished.”

Lyndsey Medders had her shining moment of the season with 23 points, 15 of which she netted in the second half. She began the night with the first bucket of the game, and that momentum allowed the team to never look back, as the Cyclones never trailed in the game.

“Not to take away from anyone else on this team, because everyone did great, but this was Lyndsey’s night,” Fennelly said. “This was a defining moment for her, and I really believe the way she played tonight was the reason we won.”

Medders’ 23 points led all scorers, and the closest margin to hers was teammate Toccara Ross with 15. Medders scored 15 of her own points in the second half, and had four 3-pointers in the contest.

“I think we just got sick and tired of losing, and we finally said this is it, we’re done losing,” Medders said. “I think when you have someone like Coach Fennelly who can pick apart another team, it’s a credit to his game plan when we can execute it. This was definitely an emotional win for us.”

Texas’ leading scorer, All-Big 12 performer Tiffany Jackson, came into Hilton averaging 19.9 points a game but was a non-factor on Thursday, scoring only seven points.

“We knew how to play and wouldn’t let our plan deviate,” Fennelly said. “We wanted to get as many people on Jackson every chance we could. As far as overall execution, it was very good.”

Freshman Alison Lacey capped the night with 12 points, including two threes, which helped the Cyclones fend off any late attempt by Texas (13-5, 2-2) to come back.

After a shaky start to the conference season, the Cyclones are feeling confident about their place in the Big 12. Through the emotional highs and lows of the past four games, Medders said the Cyclones have learned an important lesson to carry with them for the remainder of the season.

“We’re not going to talk about the NCAA or the Big 12 tournament; it’s only about the next game,” Medders said. “We will take them as they come. We’re going to look to Kansas next and it’s all we’re going to think and talk about. We are only going to think about how we can beat Kansas on the road.”