The game between the Houston Cougars and Iowa State Cyclones on February 16, 2026, was a thrilling display of college basketball prowess, with every possession a battle for control. But who came out on top?
The First Half:
19:39 - The game starts with a bang! Milos Uzan loses the ball to a steal by Tamin Lipsey, setting the tone for a fast-paced, high-intensity match.
19:23 - A jump ball situation! Tamin Lipsey and Emanuel Sharp fight for possession, and the Cyclones come out with the ball.
19:18 - Blake Buchanan strikes first with a powerful two-point dunk, assisted by Joshua Jefferson. The Cougars take an early lead, 40-45.
And the action continues...
18:46 - Chris Cenac Jr. attempts a three-pointer but misses, only to be followed by an offensive rebound from Joseph Tugler.
18:33 - Milos Uzan tries his luck from downtown but can't find the net.
18:25 - Cenac Jr. makes up for it with a two-point dunk, narrowing the gap to 42-45. The crowd goes wild!
But here's where it gets controversial...
18:15 - A personal foul is called on Emanuel Sharp, sparking debates among fans about the referee's call. Was it a fair decision? You decide.
The game intensifies:
18:00 - Blake Buchanan showcases his defensive skills, blocking Joseph Tugler's jump shot attempt.
17:50 - Joshua Jefferson adds to the Cougars' score with a smooth two-point layup, extending their lead.
17:33 - Kingston Flemings joins the party with a three-pointer, assisted by Chris Cenac Jr., keeping the Cyclones in the game.
The teams trade baskets:
17:13 - Tamin Lipsey attempts a three, but it's off target.
16:56 - Flemings drives to the basket but can't convert.
16:47 - Another miss from Flemings, but the Cyclones keep the possession with offensive rebounds.
16:44 - Emanuel Sharp tries to answer back with a three, but it's not to be.
The Cougars maintain their lead:
16:21 - A personal foul on Nate Heise, adding to the physicality of the game.
16:18 - Sharp's jump shot attempt is unsuccessful, and Heise grabs the defensive rebound.
16:07 - Milan Momcilovic takes a three-point shot but can't connect.
The Cougars extend their lead:
15:57 - Kingston Flemings turns the ball over, and Killyan Toure steals it.
15:38 - Joshua Jefferson attempts a three, but it's off the mark.
14:56 - Chris Cenac Jr. sinks a crucial three-pointer, assisted by Emanuel Sharp, giving the Cougars a slender lead, 48-47.
The teams trade blows:
14:32 - Sharp commits a personal foul, adding to the physicality of the game.
14:18 - Isiah Harwell nails a three-pointer, assisted by Flemings, keeping the Cyclones in the hunt.
14:09 - Jamarion Batemon's three-point attempt is off the mark, but the Cyclones keep fighting.
The Cougars hold on:
13:56 - Harwell tries another three but can't find the net.
13:39 - Blake Buchanan slams home a two-point dunk, extending the Cougars' lead.
13:12 - Tamin Lipsey is called for a personal foul, and the game becomes a real battle.
The teams trade baskets again:
12:44 - Milos Uzan hits a two-point jumper, and the Cougars maintain their advantage.
12:22 - Milan Momcilovic's jump shot attempt is unsuccessful.
12:07 - Kingston Flemings sinks a two-pointer, keeping the Cyclones within striking distance.
The Cougars keep the pressure on:
11:49 - Jamarion Batemon's three-point attempt is off the mark.
11:38 - Isiah Harwell's three-point attempt is also unsuccessful.
11:05 - Milos Uzan misses a jump shot, but the Cougars grab the offensive rebound.
The Cyclones fight back:
10:55 - Kingston Flemings hits a crucial three-pointer, assisted by Joseph Tugler, bringing the Cyclones closer.
10:45 - Killyan Toure drives to the basket for a two-point layup, and the Cyclones are right back in it!
The Cougars respond:
10:23 - Chris Cenac Jr. attempts a three but can't connect.
9:40 - Joshua Jefferson grabs an offensive rebound, keeping the possession alive.
9:05 - Blake Buchanan slams home another dunk, assisted by Jefferson, and the Cougars maintain their lead.
The Cyclones keep fighting:
8:31 - Kalifa Sakho dunks the ball, assisted by Flemings, and the Cyclones are within striking distance.
8:15 - Sakho blocks Killyan Toure's layup attempt, showcasing his defensive skills.
The final minutes:
7:57 - Joshua Jefferson's three-point attempt is off the mark.
7:28 - Milos Uzan tries another three but can't connect.
7:13 - The Cougars grab the offensive rebound and maintain possession.
6:49 - Kingston Flemings hits a three-pointer, keeping the Cyclones in the game.
The Cougars hold on for the win:
6:23 - Dominykas Pleta makes a two-point layup, extending the lead.
6:08 - Jamarion Batemon hits a three-pointer, assisted by Lipsey, and the Cougars respond.
5:31 - Isiah Harwell's three-point attempt is off the mark, but the Cougars grab the offensive rebound.
The final seconds:
4:47 - Dominykas Pleta's two-point dunk, assisted by Lipsey, seals the deal for the Cougars.
Final Score: Houston Cougars 65, Iowa State Cyclones 66. A thrilling game that kept fans on the edge of their seats! What a way to start the tournament! Who do you think will go all the way? Share your predictions in the comments below!
