The ISU women’s basketball team nearly pulled off their second upset of a ranked opponent Saturday, but it was not to be, as the Cyclones were defeated by No. 11 Texas, 65-55.

The Cyclones trailed just 29-26 at halftime, and came out trading baskets with the Longhorns early in the second half. They took their first lead since early in the game when Brittany Wilkins scored to make it 39-37.

Iowa State was able to fight off Texas for a moment, extending their lead to six with just under 12 minutes to play. It all went downhill from there, as the teams went back and forth, until the Cyclones went dry.

Texas head coach Jody Conradt was relieved to finally get a victory against ISU head coach Bill Fennelly in Ames. The Longhorns were previously 0-3 at Hilton Coliseum.

“There aren’t a lot of people who have come in here and won,” she said. “I don’t think today I was ever comfortable. [Fennelly] will put a good team on the floor, and if we want to compete for championships, then we have to win against Iowa State.”

Texas, which features four players averaging in double-digit scoring, just had too much firepower for the Cyclones. While Iowa State was able to contain Texas’ Heather Schreiber to just seven points, and Jamie Carey to just six points — all free throws — they were unable to shut down center Stacy Stephens, who finished with 17 points and 13 rebounds.

“I really thought that Stacy Stephens was the difference in the game,” Fennelly said. “She just manhandled us in the second half. She’s a very, very good player.”

The Longhorns were able to get scoring from the perimeter while the ISU defense focused on shutting down the inside game. Nina Norman was 8-of-12 from the field, finishing the game with 19 points. Tai Dillard also reached double figures, slashing through the Cyclone defense for 16.

Fennelly knew his team would have its hands full with most of the Texas roster.

“Obviously Texas is very talented, very deep,” he said. “You’ve got to give Texas credit.”

The Cyclones were led by Lindsey Wilson’s 22 points. The only other player in double figures was Mary Fox, who finished the game with 12. Redshirt freshman Wilkins provided a spark off the bench for Fennelly’s squad, scoring seven points, while also tallying two blocks and a steal.

Fennelly was pleased with the way Wilkins and Fox performed, but was once again unhappy about the breakdowns that have plagued Iowa State all season.

“I felt Brittany Wilkins was outstanding. I thought Mary Fox gave us some energy that we needed,” he said. “The problems that we’ve had all year, defensive rebounding and our inability to make shots, impacted the game.”

Wilkins would like another chance against the Longhorns, although the teams aren’t scheduled to meet again this season. “We’ll probably get another shot at them, hopefully, in the Big 12 Tournament,” she said.