MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia University delivered one of the biggest upsets of the college basketball season on Saturday, snapping No. 2 Iowa State's impressive 12-game winning streak with a 64-57 victory at the WVU Coliseum. This match marked not only the end of the Cyclones' run but also underscored the Mountaineers' defensive prowess and home-court advantage.
The Cyclones entered the game boasting the longest active winning streak in the nation, thanks to strong performances throughout the season, including notable wins over top-ranked opponents. Their only previous loss had been to the nation's top team, Auburn, back before Thanksgiving. On Saturday, they faced the Mountaineers, who had previously struggled but were riding the momentum of recent victories.
West Virginia, known for its tough and gritty style of play, demonstrated this right from the start. The Mountaineers jumped to an early 6-0 lead, capitalizing on turnovers from Iowa State. Despite this early setback, Iowa State quickly responded to tie the game at six. This set the stage for what would be a hard-fought contest, characterized by physical defense and missed scoring opportunities.
The teams traded leads throughout the first half, with West Virginia entering halftime with a narrow 25-24 advantage. Iowa State's shooting troubles became evident as they finished the half shooting 0-for-11 from three-point range, unable to capitalize on their typical scoring style.
West Virginia's defense particularly shined throughout the game, forcing Iowa State to commit 14 turnovers, all leading to key steals. This opportunistic defense proved invaluable as the Mountaineers looked to consolidate their lead. Iowa State's leading scorer Curtis Jones managed 18 points, but it was clear the Cyclones missed the outside shooting threat of Milan Momcilovic who has been sidelined.
Javon Small, the star of the evening for West Virginia, was relentless on the court, finishing with a game-high 27 points, including 12 of the last 13 Mountaineer points. His performance not only showcased his scoring ability but also highlighted his importance to the team, especially since they have navigated much of the season without star guard Tucker DeVries.
The second half began with Iowa State briefly taking the lead again. But West Virginia answered back – as they had throughout the match – with strategic defense and timely offense. The game reached a pivotal moment late when Small connected on a three-pointer to extend the Mountaineers' lead to 59-51 with just 42 seconds left on the clock.
Joshua Jefferson had a solid game for Iowa State, contributing 10 points and 10 rebounds, but could not help his team to reclaim control of the game. The Cyclones finished the match shooting just 5.9 percent from three-point range, which marked their lowest scoring output of the season.
After the game, West Virginia celebrated not just the upset but also the legacy of Jerry West, the basketball icon who played for the Mountaineers. The atmosphere at the Coliseum was electric as fans honored his contributions to the sport during "Jerry West Day," making the victory even sweeter for the players and supporters alike.
This win adds to West Virginia's impressive record against ranked opponents this season, capturing their fourth victory over top-25 teams. The Mountaineers had previously secured wins against Gonzaga, Arizona, and Kansas, positioning them as contenders within the Big 12 Conference.
Moving forward, West Virginia will look to build on this momentum as they prepare to face Arizona State next week. Meanwhile, Iowa State will head back home to welcome UCF, aiming to rebound from their first conference loss.
Both teams remain focused as the season progresses, but Saturday's game will be remembered for its impact and significance, highlighting the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of college basketball.