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Defensively, Iowa State was visibly outmatched, as they allowed Iowa to execute their offense with ease. The Hawkeyes leveraged their drive-and-kick strategy to capitalize on Iowa State’s mistakes, leaving many Cyclone defenders caught out of position. The Cyclones entered halftime trailing 37-44, looking for a semblance of cohesion to mount a comeback.

The Second Half Surge

As the second half commenced, the Cyclones showed glimpses of their potential. The momentum began to shift, albeit slowly. The final minutes of the game turned into a showcase of resilience and tactical acumen. Iowa State battled back to not only neutralize the Hawkeyes’ early lead but to secure a commanding advantage. They outscored Iowa 52-36 in the second half, ultimately winning the game 89-80.