The Houston Cougars defeated the Iowa State Cyclones 73-65 in a close and exciting college basketball game on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The game was played at the Fertitta Center in Houston, Texas. The Cougars improved their record to 21-3 overall and 8-3 in the American Athletic Conference, while the Cyclones dropped to 19-5 overall and 8-3 in the Big 12 Conference.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams exchanging leads and runs throughout the contest. The Cougars led by as many as 11 points in the first half, but the Cyclones fought back and cut the deficit to five points at halftime, 28-23. The second half was even more competitive, with the Cyclones taking a four-point lead with 10 minutes left in the game. However, the Cougars responded with a 15-4 run to regain the lead and never looked back. The Cyclones tried to rally in the final minutes, but the Cougars made enough free throws and defensive stops to seal the victory.
Jamal Shead leads the Cougars with a career-high 26 points
The Cougars had a balanced scoring attack, with four players reaching double figures. The star of the game was freshman guard Jamal Shead, who scored a career-high 26 points on 9-of-13 shooting, including 4-of-6 from the three-point line. He also added six rebounds, four assists, and four steals in a stellar performance. Shead was the catalyst for the Cougars’ offense, as he made timely shots and created opportunities for his teammates.
The other players who contributed to the Cougars’ win were sophomore forward Ja’Vier Francis, who had 14 points and seven rebounds, senior guard Kyler Edwards, who had 12 points and five assists, and junior forward Reggie Chaney, who had 10 points and six rebounds. The Cougars shot 42% from the field, 29% from the three-point line, and 75% from the free throw line. They also outscored the Cyclones 18-7 in points off turnovers, as they forced 15 turnovers and committed only eight.
Keshon Gilbert and Tre King lead the Cyclones with 17 and 16 points respectively
The Cyclones also had four players in double digits, but they could not overcome the Cougars’ defense and clutch shooting. The leading scorer for the Cyclones was freshman guard Keshon Gilbert, who had 17 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including 3-of-5 from the three-point line. He also added five rebounds, four assists, and two steals in a valiant effort. Gilbert was the main playmaker for the Cyclones, as he orchestrated their offense and kept them in the game.
The other players who performed well for the Cyclones were senior forward Tre King, who had 16 points and eight rebounds, junior guard Tyrese Hunter, who had 12 points and six assists, and sophomore forward Tristan Enaruna, who had 10 points and five rebounds. The Cyclones shot 42% from the field, 53% from the three-point line, and 67% from the free throw line. They also outrebounded the Cougars 30-28, but they could not overcome their turnovers and foul trouble.
The Cougars and the Cyclones are both contenders for the NCAA tournament
The game was a showcase of two of the best teams in the country, who are both projected to make the NCAA tournament in March. The Cougars are ranked No. 7 in the AP poll and No. 6 in the NET rankings, while the Cyclones are ranked No. 12 in the AP poll and No. 11 in the NET rankings. The Cougars are the favorites to win the American Athletic Conference, while the Cyclones are in a tight race with Baylor, Texas Tech, and Kansas for the Big 12 title.
The Cougars and the Cyclones have both impressed the college basketball fans and experts with their performances this season. The Cougars are known for their defense, toughness, and depth, while the Cyclones are known for their offense, speed, and versatility. Both teams have a mix of experienced veterans and talented freshmen, who have formed a strong chemistry and culture. Both teams have also faced some of the toughest opponents in the nation, and have proven their ability to compete and win at the highest level.
The Cougars and the Cyclones could potentially meet again in the NCAA tournament, depending on the seeding and the bracket. If they do, it would be another thrilling and competitive game, as both teams have shown their quality and potential. The Cougars and the Cyclones are both contenders for the national championship, and they have both earned the respect and admiration of the college basketball world.