Iowa State basketball experienced a rollercoaster of a week, showcasing both high-flying victories and tough losses. The Cyclones pulled off a thrilling 70-67 win against the No. 3 ranked Houston in front of an electric home crowd on Big Monday. Nate Heise delivered the moment of the season, sinking a clutch three-pointer from the left corner with the shot clock winding down, sending the Hilton faithful into a frenzy.
However, the Cyclones faced a setback over the weekend, falling 79-69 to No. 23 BYU.
The Marriott Center proved once again to be a formidable venue, with its intense atmosphere playing a crucial role. Despite the slim talent gap, BYU capitalized on their home-court advantage, a testament to the challenging environment they create for visiting teams.
On the court, BYU's AJ Dybantsa put on a show, nearly notching a triple-double with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists, all while playing the entire 40 minutes. His performance highlighted why he's a potential No.
1 NBA Draft pick. Meanwhile, Iowa State's championship mentality remains intact, as they continue to take each loss to heart and learn from it.
For the women's team, the week was a mix of highs and lows. Addy Brown made her much-anticipated return, and while her shooting wasn't at its peak, her presence was a game-changer.
The Cyclones dominated Arizona State 90-64 in Brown's comeback game but stumbled against No. 12 TCU, letting a nine-point lead slip away in the fourth quarter to lose 80-73.
Despite the loss, the Cyclones have shown resilience, winning seven of their last nine games. With a 21-7 record, they are poised for an exciting Selection Sunday, especially considering the impact of injuries to key players like Brown and Arianna Jackson earlier in the season.
Looking ahead, with matchups against Oklahoma State and Kansas State, it's crucial for Iowa State to integrate Brown back into the lineup fully. Her confidence and performance will be pivotal as the team gears up for the Big 12 Tournament and beyond.
On the wrestling mat, Iowa State is hitting its stride at the perfect time. The Cyclones secured a 20-14 victory over No.
14 Missouri, wrapping up an impressive dual season with a 12-2 record. Their only losses came against top-ranked teams, but they've claimed victories over several ranked opponents, positioning themselves as a formidable force heading into the Big 12 Championships.
This wrestling squad has the potential to be one of the best in recent memory, and as tournament season approaches, they'll look to capitalize on their talent and momentum.