Iowa State Cyclones Cap Perfect Home Record by Defeating BYU Cougars – Sky Bulletin
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The Iowa State Cyclones, ranked sixth nationwide, secured a flawless home record of 18-0 for the first time in more than two decades by edging out the 20th-ranked BYU Cougars with a final score of 68-63 on Wednesday evening.
The Cyclones, with a record of 24-6 overall and 13-4 in the Big 12, triumphed in their season closer at home, keeping pace just behind the Big 12’s leader, Houston. The Cougars from BYU (21-9, 9-8) aimed to upset another top 10 team after a recent victory but fell short despite Ricjie Saunders leading with 20 points.
Facing a 14-point deficit in the second half, Iowa State rallied back with an 11-0 spree, punctuated by a three-pointer from Tamin Lipsey, to level the score at 56 apiece with under 8 minutes remaining. The Cyclones forged ahead with Robert Jones’ basket, making it 64-63 with less than three minutes on the clock.
BYU struggled to score in the closing minutes, missing nine of their last shots and committing crucial turnovers. The Cougars, after a cold start from beyond the arc, found rhythm hitting 6 of 9 three-pointers at one stretch, led by Aly Khalifa and Richie Saunders. Despite leading by 11 at halftime, BYU couldn’t hold off Iowa State’s resurgence.
This Cyclones victory keeps them in contention for the Big 12 title and secures the number 2 seed for the upcoming conference tournament.
FAQs about Iowa State’s Victory over BYU
- Who were the key players for Iowa State in the win against BYU?
Tamin Lipsey and Curtis Jones were instrumental, scoring 19 and 18 points, respectively. - How significant is this victory for Iowa State?
The victory is significant as it allowed Iowa State to remain competitive for the Big 12 title and ensured a perfect home record this season. - What is the next game for both Iowa State and BYU?
Iowa State will play at Kansas State while BYU will host Oklahoma State in their respective next matchups.
Conclusion
In a thrilling battle of ranked teams, Iowa State demonstrated resilience and determination to turn a significant deficit into a momentous home victory. The perfect home record is a testament to the team’s strength in familiar territory and sets the stage for a promising post-season. As both teams move toward their next conference challenges, the echoes of this intense showdown will resonate as a highlight of their seasons.
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