The No. 2 Iowa State Cyclones saw their national-best 12-game winning streak come to an abrupt end on Saturday night as they fell to West Virginia, 64-57, in a hard-fought Big 12 showdown. Javon Small was the catalyst for the Mountaineers, scoring 12 of his 27 points in the final two minutes to lead his team to a dramatic victory.
Small Shines in the Clutch
With the game in the balance, Small turned up the heat, hitting key shots down the stretch to give West Virginia (13-4, 4-2 Big 12) a much-needed win over a top-tier opponent. The Mountaineers had already made waves this season by knocking off ranked teams, and this win marked their fourth victory over a ranked opponent.
Small’s late-game heroics were especially critical after the Mountaineers found themselves down 43-41 with just over seven minutes left. From there, Small’s scoring burst helped West Virginia close out the game strong. His performance was a testament to his composure and clutch shooting ability when it mattered most.
“We got the win for Jerry,” Small said after the game. “We threw the throwback jerseys on. Yeah, it was Jerry West Day.”
The Mountaineers’ victory was even more meaningful as the school celebrated the life of Jerry West, the NBA great who passed away last June at the age of 86. West Virginia fans stormed the court and joined the team in singing John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” to honor the basketball legend.
Iowa State Struggles in Second Half
While Small’s performance stole the spotlight, Iowa State (15-2, 5-1 Big 12) struggled offensively in the final stages of the game. After Tamin Lipsey gave the Cyclones a 43-41 lead on a layup with 7:35 left, Iowa State was limited to just 14 points for the remainder of the contest.
Curtis Jones led Iowa State with 18 points, while Keshon Gilbert added 13 points and Josh Jefferson contributed 10 points and 10 rebounds. Despite the strong individual performances, the Cyclones were unable to capitalize on key moments down the stretch.
Iowa State’s offense was plagued by turnovers, committing 14 turnovers and failing to convert from the free-throw line, attempting just seven free throws throughout the game. The Cyclones also appeared to be outmuscled and outworked in key moments, particularly on loose-ball recoveries.
Defensive Dominance by West Virginia
West Virginia’s defensive intensity was a major factor in Iowa State’s struggles. The Mountaineers maintained a physical presence throughout the game, limiting the Cyclones to their lowest point total of the season and holding them 28 points below their average.
Mountaineers coach Darian DeVries praised Small’s leadership on both ends of the court, saying, “He’s the best guard in the country. He’s something special.”
The loss snaps a remarkable run for Iowa State, who will now look to regroup as they prepare for their next challenge. Meanwhile, West Virginia’s statement victory provides momentum as they continue to battle in the competitive Big 12.
With a strong team effort and a star in Javon Small, West Virginia is quickly becoming a team to watch in college basketball’s second half of the season.