MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Javon Small showcased a remarkable performance, scoring 12 of his total 27 points in the closing two minutes to propel West Virginia to a 64-57 victory against the second-ranked Iowa State on Saturday night, thus ending the Cyclones’ impressive 12-game winning streak, which was the best in the nation.

Amani Hansberry contributed significantly for the Mountaineers with 12 points, helping the team notch its fourth win this season against a ranked opponent. The atmosphere was electric as West Virginia fans rushed the court, celebrating not only the victory but also paying tribute to basketball legend Jerry West on what would have been a somber occasion, as the former player passed away last June at the age of 86.

For Iowa State, Curtis Jones was the standout player, leading the team with 18 points. Keshon Gilbert assisted with 13 points, and Josh Jefferson had a notable impact with 10 points and 10 rebounds. The Cyclones managed to maintain a fleeting advantage when Tamin Lipsey scored a layup, giving them a brief lead of 43-41 with 7:35 remaining in the game. However, Iowa State struggled offensively, scoring only 14 points for the remainder of the contest.

Several key observations emerged from the game. Iowa State had difficulty managing the ball, committing 14 turnovers, and they only attempted seven free throws, which hampered their offensive efficiency. The Cyclones also seemed to lag behind in energy and effort, notably failing to secure loose balls. On the other hand, the West Virginia side exhibited relentless defensive pressure, containing Iowa State to their lowest point total of the season—28 points less than their average.

A critical turning point in the game was Small’s decisive performance in crunch time. Following a layup by Joseph Yesufu that put West Virginia ahead 51-49 with just over two minutes left, Small took control by converting a three-point play and following up with two free throws in quick succession, establishing a seven-point difference. His crucial 3-pointer at the 41-second mark extended the lead to 59-51.

One glaring statistic for Iowa State was their dismal performance from beyond the arc, where they only converted one out of 17 attempts from three-point range, signifying a significant area of concern for the team moving forward.

Looking ahead, Iowa State will take on UCF in their next game on Tuesday evening, while West Virginia is set to face Arizona State on the same day.