Recent comments from Texas forward Jason Klotz about “dirty” play by Iowa State’s Jared Homan don’t hold water with ISU head coach Larry Eustachy.

Eustachy hadn’t heard about Klotz’s remark until a reporter informed him during Monday’s Big 12 coaches teleconference.

“We don’t play dirty,” Eustachy said. “We play physical within the rules. I would say he’s way off base.”

Klotz and Homan were among the fray during a scuffle in the first half of the Longhorns’ 70-50 victory over the Cyclones Saturday. Both players, along with Texas point guard T.J. Ford, jostled for a loose ball with 3:06 remaining before halftime. Homan seemed to gain control, but was fouled by Klotz as he swung his elbows to keep the possession. Ford appeared to be upset by the force Homan swung his elbows with and gave Homan a push, prompting the two into a chest-to-chest staredown.

Klotz bear-hugged Homan to keep him away from Ford. Texas’ James Thomas was hit with a technical foul for coming on the court from the bench during the incident.

“He’s a dirty guy,” Klotz said of Homan after the game. “I had to grab him before he got to T.J. It lights a fire under you a little bit.”

Attempts to contact Homan were unsuccessful.

Texas coach Rick Barnes said the game against Iowa State was the most physical contest his team has played in this season. He said he expected as much from the Cyclones.

“We know how hard they’re going to play,” Barnes said. “I think the hardest thing to do when you play them is to maintain a high level of intensity. Without question, that was the most physical game we’ve been in all year.”

Last season, Homan was ejected from a game against Colorado for leaving the bench area to go chest-to-chest with D.J. Harrison. Harrison and Eustachy had exchanged words after a timeout had been called, and Harrison had moved towards Eustachy’s direction.

“I’m just glad I have Homan as my bodyguard,” Eustachy joked after that game. “I thought he came off the bench like someone was stealing his cow or something.”

After a loss to Boston College earlier this season, ISU point guard Tim Barnes said the emotion Homan shows on the court spurs the rest of the squad.

“His emotion gets us very pumped up,” Barnes said. “Once you see him, you have no choice but to get pumped up. It’s like an energy boost. I’m just glad we have him.”

— The Associated Press contributed to this story.