Top 15 ISU men’s basketball moments: Cyclones hold on after blowing 18-point lead to Texas Tech

Melvin Ejim, Georges Niang, and Matt Thomas being able to finish against Texas Tech is the 13th best moment in Iowa State’s season.

Feb 15, 2014; Ames, IA, USA; Iowa State Cyclone forward Melvin Ejim (3) dribbles the ball at James H. Hilton Coliseum. Iowa State defeated Texas Tech 70-64. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

Iowa State was well on their way to a big victory, but Jaye Crockett and the Red Raiders wouldn’t give up. They destroyed the the Cyclones’ 18-point lead in the second half and Crockett himself made the go-ahead basket, going up 62-61 with 3:22 left in the game. He had 23 points, 11 rebounds, committed just two turnovers, and made all eight free throw attempts in the game.

That’s as far as the Texas Tech comeback would go, however. Ejim jumpstarted a 9-2 run, making an offensive rebound after DeAndre Kane missed a jump shot. Crockett had a costly turnover that ended up turning into a Thomas 3-point play assisted by Ejim.

Thomas couldn’t convert on the free throw, Niang boarded a missed Dusty Hannahs 3-pointer with just under two minutes left in the game, eventually going to the rim for a layup and a five-point lead.

Niang also made the game-ender. Up by four with 14 seconds to go, Ejim boarded another missed 3-pointer and heaved it to Niang to slam it home and cap off the 70-64 final score.

The duo of Ejim and Niang combined for 30 points, both going 13-of-22 from the field combined. Thomas came off the bench and only scored two points, but they proved to be vital in the finish.

In a moment where lots of teams — and likely last year’s squad would have even faltered — this season, Iowa State did what they usually were able to do and close the game out, finding a way to win to preserve home court.

Iowa State men’s basketball top 15 moments of 2013-14

15. DeAndre Kane’s perimeter shooting en route to Diamond Head Classic title

14. Monte Morris emerges, nearly hits double-double against Auburn

13. Cyclones hold on to win after blowing 18-point lead vs. Texas Tech

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