After a performance against Texas Tech that had some ISU fans thinking the sky was falling, Iowa State finally got shots falling against Texas. The Longhorns’ potent zone defense was no match for an Iowa State offense that was in the zone from tip.

That is, until a Texas-sized comeback in the final minutes nearly dropped the Cyclones for their second-straight loss. After shooting 0-of-7 behind the arc in the first half, the Longhorns made 10-of-15 in the second to combat a stingy ISU interior defense and come back from a 21-point deficit. 

In the end, Iowa State’s signature high-efficiency attack was too much for the Longhorns to overcome as No. 15 Iowa State (15-4, 5-2 Big 12) snuck past No. 19 Texas (14-6, 3-4 Big 12) for an 89-86 win.

“Really pleased with how we bounced back from that disappointing game on Saturday,” said ISU coach Fred Hoiberg. “I give all the credit to our guys for getting together and talking things out and coming out with what I think was our best practice of the year yesterday.”

All eight Cyclones who saw the floor scored, and seven of them recorded an assist as the team was able to break a Texas zone defense that was allowing just 62.2 points per game. The Longhorns had not given up more than 75 points in a game before the fast-paced passing attack of Iowa State put up 89 points in front of a packed Hilton Coliseum.

In fact, for 36 minutes, it looked like the Cyclones were playing the perfect game. With four minutes to go, Iowa State had allowed just 59 points and forced 12 turnovers on defense. The final four minutes, the Longhorns nailed 10-of-15 shots, scored 27 points and continued the narrative of close games in the Big 12.

“That was crazy. That was an absolutely crazy game,” Hoiberg said. “We tried to take away the penetration, they kicked it out for a three. When we stayed hugged up on a 3-point shooter, they got to the rim. …They kept competing all the way through the game and we were very fortunate to hold on.”

But when the Cyclones were playing their best, they did it as a team. With 20 assists on 29 baskets, Iowa State finished with five players in double figures, led by Georges Niang’s 19 points.

The do-it-all junior got back to his efficient self, shooting 7-for-13 from the floor and hitting 3-of-4 from behind the arc. Coming off a 4-for-10 night against Texas Tech, the All-American candidate led his team to a victory that keeps the Cyclones in the Big 12 title conversation.

“Any time you can win a game, that’s a good thing for us,” said junior Georges Niang. “That being said, we have yet to put a 40-minute game together, but I’m definitely proud of our guys and how we battled on the boards and throughout the game.”

The Cyclones now sit half a game behind Kansas for the Big 12 lead and take on the Jayhawks exactly a week from the Texas win. But with the loss to Texas Tech still fresh on their minds, the TCU game sandwiched between the ranked opponents may serve as another trap game for the Cyclones.

But for now, Hoiberg doesn’t want to hear it. The critics surrounding the ISU basketball team will have to wait until Iowa State’s matchup with TCU on Jan. 31.

“Look, I’ve been miserable for 48 damn hours. I’m going to enjoy this one, okay?”