In a thrilling Big 12 Conference showdown that will be remembered for its dramatic finish, Nate Heise delivered the decisive blow as the sixth-ranked Iowa State Cyclones orchestrated a remarkable comeback to defeat second-ranked Houston 70-67 on Monday night in Ames, Iowa. The victory marked Iowa State's second triumph over a top-10 opponent in just three days, solidifying their status as a legitimate national contender.
The Cyclones found themselves in a precarious position late in the contest, trailing by seven points with under five minutes remaining. However, what followed was a masterclass in clutch performance and defensive intensity. Iowa State unleashed a devastating 17-4 run to close the game, leaving the conference leaders stunned and the Hilton Coliseum crowd in a state of euphoria.
Heise's moment of glory arrived with 1:17 left on the clock when he calmly sank a corner three-pointer from the left side, giving Iowa State a 69-67 advantage they would not relinquish. The junior guard, who had been perfect from beyond the arc throughout the evening (3-for-3), demonstrated ice-cold composure when it mattered most. His shot capped off a sequence of precision execution that defined the Cyclones' late-game surge.
The timing of Heise's heroics carried special significance for his family. Earlier that same day, his sister Taylor Heise had found the back of the net for the United States women's hockey team in their 5-0 semifinal victory over Sweden at the Milan Cortina Olympics. The Heise siblings were simultaneously making headlines on both international and collegiate stages, creating an unforgettable day for their family.
When asked about his mindset approaching the game-winning attempt, Heise offered insight into the psychology of clutch performance. "I really think it was one of the easier mindset things, because you really got no other choice. You're not going to be able to pass the ball; there's not enough time," he explained. "So, when you've got no other choice and it's just kind of muscle memory, you just know how much is on the shot clock and what you've got to do. It really was the only option."
Iowa State head coach T.J. Otzelberger couldn't contain his admiration for his player's development. "Of all the games from him as a Cyclone, tonight stands out as the one that was most elite," Otzelberger praised. "The confidence he's playing with is awesome." The coach's words reflected the broader narrative of Heise's emergence as a reliable weapon in high-pressure situations.
The game's final minute provided enough drama for an entire season. After Heise's go-ahead triple, Houston desperately sought an equalizer but encountered a wall of Iowa State resistance. The Cougars' first opportunity dissolved when they were whistled for a shot clock violation with 43 seconds remaining, a defensive stand that showcased the Cyclones' discipline and communication.
Houston's second chance came with four seconds left when Chris Cenac Jr. attempted a potential game-tying shot, but the attempt rimmed out. Blake Buchanan secured the rebound and was immediately fouled, sending him to the free-throw line for a one-and-one opportunity. Though Buchanan missed the front end, his teammate Tamin Lipsey displayed incredible hustle and awareness, chasing down the offensive rebound in the crowded paint.
Lipsey's effort proved crucial. He managed to tap the ball to Joshua Jefferson, who was promptly fouled with just one second remaining. Jefferson calmly sank his first free throw to extend the lead to three points, effectively sealing the victory. The senior forward's final contribution gave him 12 points for the night, leading all Iowa State scorers.
The win represented more than just another tally in the victory column for Iowa State. Coming on the heels of Saturday's 74-56 dismantling of eighth-ranked Kansas, the Cyclones had accomplished something few programs achieve: defeating two top-10 teams within a 72-hour window. The back-to-back statement victories announced Iowa State as a force to be reckoned with as the regular season winds down and tournament play approaches.
For Houston, the loss stung particularly deep. The Cougars arrived in Ames riding a six-game winning streak and holding a commanding position atop the Big 12 standings. Their cushion over fourth-ranked Arizona shrunk to just a half-game, while Iowa State moved within one game of the conference lead. The defeat also set up a critical rematch with Arizona on Saturday in Houston, where the Cougars must regroup quickly to maintain their championship aspirations.
Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson acknowledged the challenge his team faced while refusing to question his players' effort. "Iowa State's good," Sampson stated matter-of-factly. "It's not an easy place to come in and win. I'm disappointed we didn't win. I'm not disappointed in our effort." The veteran coach's words highlighted the respect opponents have developed for the Cyclones' home-court advantage and overall program quality.
The statistical breakdown revealed a balanced attack from Iowa State. Beyond Jefferson's 12 points, Heise finished with 11 points on perfect shooting from deep, while Buchanan contributed 10 points in a solid supporting role. The Cyclones' depth and unselfishness were evident as multiple players stepped up when the moment demanded.
Houston's offensive production centered around Kingston Fleming, who poured in 22 points to lead all scorers. Emanuel Sharp provided 16 points, though all came in the first half, illustrating Iowa State's second-half defensive adjustments. Milos Uzan chipped in 11 points, but the Cougars struggled to find consistent offense down the stretch against the Cyclones' pressure.
The game's narrative extended beyond the court, touching on themes of family pride and athletic excellence. Heise's reflection on his family's text message chain revealed the personal dimension of his achievement. "It'll be fun because I think they went to sleep before the [Iowa State] game started, so they'll wake up to some fun texts," he shared. "Obviously, it was cool earlier when she scored a goal and they won and they're on to the championship. So, pretty good day."
Indeed, it was a "pretty good day" for the Heise family, one that exemplified the intersection of collegiate and international sports. While Taylor pursued Olympic gold in Italy, Nate was crafting his own legacy in Iowa, proving that athletic greatness can manifest simultaneously across different arenas and continents.
As the Big 12 Conference race intensifies, Iowa State's victory serves as a powerful statement. The Cyclones have demonstrated they can compete with and defeat the nation's elite programs. Their ability to execute under pressure, make crucial defensive stops, and receive contributions from multiple players makes them a dangerous proposition for any opponent.
The win also underscores the importance of home-court advantage in college basketball. Hilton Coliseum has long been regarded as one of the most challenging venues for visiting teams, and Monday night's atmosphere undoubtedly played a role in fueling Iowa State's comeback. The synergy between a passionate fanbase and a determined group of players created the perfect conditions for a memorable upset.
Looking ahead, both teams face significant challenges. Iowa State must maintain this momentum as they pursue the conference title and favorable tournament seeding. Houston, meanwhile, must quickly put this disappointment behind them and focus on their upcoming showdown with Arizona, a game that could have major implications for the Big 12 championship and NCAA Tournament positioning.
In the grand tapestry of college basketball, games like these define seasons and build legacies. For Nate Heise and his Iowa State teammates, Monday night represented the culmination of hard work, belief, and execution. For the college basketball world, it served as a reminder that on any given night, determination and clutch performance can overcome rankings and expectations.