The #24 Texas Longhorns traveled to the Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa, to take on the #14 Iowa State Cyclones in a Big 12 showdown.  Both teams are expected to make the NCAA Tournament next month. In Bracketology by Joe Lunardi of ESPN, he predicts Iowa State as a four seed and Texas as a five seed in the tournament. The Big 12 is full of talent this year and will have several teams in the tournament, all with a chance to win it all.

After a topsy-turvy matchup, Iowa State finally pulled ahead of the Longhorns, prevailing by a score of 85-75.

Niang Goes Off, But Horns Hang Around

In the first half of this duel between Big 12 foes, there was no frontrunner for who was going to win Texas’ biggest lead in the first half was three points and Iowa State’s biggest lead was 9. The Cyclones led the Longhorns 36-34 at the half. Iowa State senior and highly touted NBA prospect forward Georges Niang was hot as he shot 6/9 from the floor in the first half, totaling 15 points. Niang also grabbed three rebounds in the first 20.

Texas guard Isaiah Taylor led the Longhorns in scoring in the first half with seven points. He only shot 2/6 from the field but nailed all three of his free throws. The Longhorns did a great job of spreading the ball around in the first half, as nine different players scored. The game was back and forth in the first half, setting up a close game in the second half. 

Back And Forth Action Eventually Leads To Cyclone Victory

Right out of the gate, the teams traded blows and hit consecutive three pointers to match each other in the 2nd half. The offensive intensity kept up and the two teams remained close throughout the half. It seemed at times that Iowa State was going to pull away from Texas and increase their lead, but every time it almost got to that point, Texas hit clutch shots to stay in the game.

After a lackluster first half which saw guard Javan Felix only notching five points and Tevin Mack with six, the two Longhorns stepped their games up. Felix finished the game with 18 points and Mack with 18 points off of the bench. Their counterparts at Iowa State also stepped up their game. Niang followed a 15 point first half with a nine point second half to finish with 24. Junior guard Monte Morris exploded for 19 points in the second half to also finish with 24 points.

The action was back and forth all throughout the gam,e but Iowa State kept their foot on the gas pedal, and Texas didn’t make a field goal in the final 2:30. ISU finished the game on an 8-0 run to win the game 85-75. The Cyclones outscored the Longhorns 49-41 in the second half.

Ramifications & Looking Ahead

Iowa State improves to 18-7 (7-5) on the season and Texas falls to 16-9 (7-5). Both teams fought hard, but Iowa State came out on top. Look for these two to meet again in the Big 12 Tournament and maybe even the NCAA Tournament. 

While the Big 12 teams continue to beat up on each other, ISU and UT must forge on. Texas welcomes West Virginia to Austin on Tuesday, while Iowa State travels to Baylor on the same day.

VAVEL Logo
About the author
Jeremy Bowen
Writer on the St. Louis Rams. Also occasionally talking about other sports going on in the St. Louis area.