Iowa State Riding High After Kansas Win, But Houston Brings a New Challenge to Hilton
Fresh off a statement win over Kansas, Iowa State is back at Hilton Coliseum with no time to celebrate-the red-hot Houston Cougars are coming to town, and they’re not just another Big 12 opponent. With Arizona slipping recently, Houston now holds the top spot in the conference at 11-1.
Iowa State, meanwhile, sits in a three-way tie for third, looking to climb even higher. The Cyclones open as slight favorites at -2.5, and ESPN gives them a 56.5% chance to defend home court.
But this one’s going to be a battle.
A Signature Win Over Kansas
Let’s rewind to Saturday. In what was arguably the most electric game Hilton has seen this season, Iowa State put together a complete performance to take down a Kansas team riding an eight-game win streak. Five Cyclones scored in double figures, the defense forced 13 turnovers while only giving up six, and the energy in the building was off the charts from start to finish.
The game started slow-just a 6-6 tie through eight minutes-but then Iowa State flipped the switch. A 20-2 run to close the half blew the game wide open, turning a tense matchup into a Cyclone party.
They knocked down five threes in the first four minutes of the second half, and from there, it was cruise control. Final score: 74-56.
After getting blown out in Lawrence earlier this season, Iowa State responded with purpose-and made a loud statement in the process.
The crowd played a major role, too. From the opening tip to the final buzzer (and the postgame singalong to *Mr.
Brightside*), Hilton was rocking. This wasn’t just a regular-season win-it was a reminder of how tough it is to walk into Ames and leave with a victory.
The Cyclones have now beaten Kansas at home four straight times, their longest such streak since the 1980s.
Now Comes Houston-and They’re Rolling
Of course, there’s no rest in the Big 12. Iowa State’s reward for taking down Kansas?
A matchup with a Houston team that’s won six straight, five of those by double digits. The Cougars are playing their best ball of the season, and they're not sneaking up on anyone-they’re sitting atop the conference standings and ranked fourth overall in KenPom, with a top-15 offense and a top-five defense.
This will be the second time Iowa State hosts Houston as Big 12 foes. The last meeting ended in a 57-53 Cyclone win, sealed by a clutch late-game fadeaway from Milan Momcilovic that had shades of Dirk Nowitzki.
But that game happened during winter break. This time, Hilton will be packed, loud, and fully alive.
Houston’s attack is led by the duo of Emanuel Sharp and Kingston Flemings, both averaging 16 points per game. They’re not the biggest team, but they make up for it with relentless defense and a knack for forcing turnovers.
In fact, they lead the league in both turnovers forced and turnover margin. They're also tops in the Big 12 in both points allowed and point differential during conference play.
In short: they’re a problem.
What Iowa State Needs to Do
So how can Iowa State pull off another marquee win?
**1. Stay out of foul trouble.
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This game could come down to free throws.
Houston leads the conference in free throw percentage at 78%, while Iowa State lags behind at the bottom with just 65%. Both teams play aggressive, physical defense, so if the officials call it tight, Houston could have a major edge at the line.
**2. Win the three-point battle.
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Iowa State has been one of the best three-point shooting teams in the Big 12, currently sitting second in percentage.
Houston, on the other hand, is near the bottom at eleventh. If the Cyclones can get hot early and build a lead from beyond the arc, they might force Houston to play outside of their comfort zone.
**3. Take care of the ball.
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This one’s simple but crucial.
Houston thrives on turning defense into offense, and they punish teams that get sloppy. Iowa State has had stretches this season where turnovers have been a problem, and against a team like Houston, that could be the difference between a win and a loss.
Ball control has to be a priority.
The Bottom Line
This is a heavyweight matchup between two of the Big 12’s most dangerous teams. Iowa State is coming off an emotional, dominant win over Kansas, but Houston presents a whole new challenge-a team that’s disciplined, efficient, and playing with serious momentum.
Hilton will be rocking again, and if the Cyclones can channel the same energy and execution they showed on Saturday, they’ve got a real shot to take down the league leader. But it’s going to take another complete performance.
No breaks, no letdowns. Just all gas.