Iowa State Cyclones Mount Unbelievable Comeback to Defeat Iowa Hawkeyes 89-80

Iowa City: Cyclones Soar Over Hawkeyes in Epic Comeback

Iowa City, Iowa is buzzing right now, and for good reason! The college basketball scene got a real treat on Thursday night as the No. 3 ranked Iowa State Cyclones marched into Carver-Hawkeye Arena and pulled off an incredible comeback against their rivals, the Iowa Hawkeyes, clinching an 89-80 victory despite facing a daunting 13-point deficit.

Second Half Surge

As the game progressed, it felt like the Hawkeyes were cruising towards a victory with a solid early lead. They were hitting their shots from behind the arc with ease, racking up an impressive seven three-pointers in just the first half. But the Cyclones weren’t about to just roll over and give in. For most of the game, Iowa State played catch-up, but star player Curtis Jones and his teammates stayed focused. In those final critical minutes, Iowa struggled to find their rhythm, sinking only two field goals.

Jones Takes Charge

The real star of the show was none other than Jones himself, who came off the bench to deliver a stunning 23 points, hitting five out of eight three-point attempts. His impressive performance was key in holding off Iowa’s strong first half. Joshua Jefferson also made significant contributions with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Dishon Jackson tallied up 12 points inside the paint. It was a real team effort, showcasing the Cyclones’ depth and talent.

Iowa’s Fight and Recognition

Despite the loss, Iowa didn’t go down quietly. Payton Sandfort, who led the Hawkeyes with 13 points, offered his respect for Iowa State, calling them “one of the best teams in the country, if not the best right now.” He acknowledged the Cyclones’ ability to keep their energy high throughout the game, and it was evident that Iowa knew they were in for a battle.

A Solid Path Ahead

As the Cyclones continue to build on their success, they are currently sitting pretty with an 8-1 record for the season. Coach T.J. Otzelberger has a solid roster, bringing back nine players from last year’s team. This experience is proving invaluable, especially as the team looks forward to heading into the tough Big 12 conference play soon. If Iowa State keeps up this winning style, they just might be on the path to their first regular season conference title since 2001.

The Unstoppable Cyclones

What’s really exciting is the balance this Cyclones team offers. Unlike other powerhouse teams that rely on one star player, Iowa State has depth. All five starters are contributing, with guard Keshon Gilbert leading the way at an average of 17.4 points per game. Each player knows they can step up when it counts and that kind of confidence is truly scary for opponents.

A Lesson Learned

Reflecting on Thursday night’s win, Jones noted the importance of sticking together as a team and not letting pressure derail their performance. “We didn’t split tonight,” he remarked, emphasizing how crucial it is to maintain focus even when things get tough. This resilience will serve them well as they gear up for the challenges that lie ahead.

As the excitement builds leading into future games, everyone in Iowa City is eager to see how the Cyclones will handle the pressure of conference play. With talent and grit in spades, it’s clear that Iowa State basketball is a thrilling ride to hop on!