Balanced Cyclones overwhelm Longhorns

AUSTIN, Texas - Iowa State represents a nearly impossible matchup for opposing coaches. All five starters, plus a bench player, average at least 10 points a game. They're the only team in the country that boasts such a balanced lineup.

In the Cyclones' 85-77 victory at Texas on Saturday, three starters and two reserves pulled off double figures.

It was a momentous win for No. 14 Iowa State (20-6, 10-4 Big 12), which beat Texas in Austin for the first time in a decade while getting its 20th win as the season ticks down to its final two weeks. It also was the first time Iowa State had won consecutive conference road games since 2006.

'We've got guys who are really committed to the team,” Iowa State Coach Fred Hoiberg said.

'They've bought into it. ... It really gives you an opportunity.”

The Cyclones, the No. 2 team in the Big 12, have an opportunity in the final two weeks to improve their seeding. Iowa State plays two of four in Ames, where they've yet to be beaten this season.

Texas (17-10, 6-8), once a Top 10 team, hasn't been able to pull out of a seven-week funk and could be in dicey territory when it comes to being included in the NCAA bracket.

'I thought we had a lot more talent than a six-win (in conference) team,” said Texas forward Jonathan Holmes, who missed two games earlier this month because of a concussion.

On Saturday, the Cyclones, thanks to their savvy from the free-throw line, survived a surge by Texas over the final four minutes.

Up 68-57, the Cyclones converted 18 of 23 free throws over the final 3:32. Overall, they were 21 of 33 from the foul line.

Earlier in the game, Iowa State used the long-range shot to keep the Longhorns on their heels. ISU made 12 of 21 from 3-point range, hitting six 3-pointers in each half.

Iowa State shot 46.4 percent overall.

Guards Georges Niang and Matt Thomas each scored 17 points to lead the Cyclones. Thomas' output was a career high.

'Coming off the bench, Coach wants you to be aggressive and score,” said Thomas, who played 21 minutes.

Texas guard Kendal Yancy led all scorers with 29 points.