LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Joshua Jefferson’s clutch performance lifted third-ranked Iowa State to its 11th consecutive victory as they narrowly edged out Texas Tech in a thrilling 85-84 overtime win on Saturday. Jefferson’s heroics included sinking two crucial free throws with just 4.1 seconds remaining in the extra period, following up his game-saving buzzer-beating layup earlier in the contest.
Finishing the game with 17 points and eight rebounds, Jefferson proved to be the Cyclones’ go-to player down the stretch, scoring the final six points for Iowa State with four pivotal free throws and a crucial layup in the waning moments of overtime. Curtis Jones also had a standout performance for Iowa State, notching 26 points, while Keshon Gilbert contributed 14 points to the winning effort.
On the Texas Tech side, Chance McMillian, JT Toppin, and Christian Anderson each tallied 18 points, with Darrion Williams adding 15 points to the Red Raiders’ cause. Williams had an opportunity to win the game for Texas Tech, but his last-second shot rattled out, sealing the victory for Iowa State.
Jefferson had already shown his flair for the dramatic at the end of regulation, connecting on a buzzer-beating layup off a pass from Tamin Lipsey to knot the score at 74 and force the game into overtime.
Despite trailing by as many as 13 points in the first half, Iowa State rallied back to claim the victory by shooting an impressive 52.5% from the field on 31 of 59 shooting. This resilient performance marked the second time this season that the Cyclones have secured a road win after erasing a double-digit deficit, having previously accomplished the feat against Iowa on December 12.
Texas Tech controlled much of the game, building a 31-18 lead with just over six minutes remaining in the first half. However, Iowa State responded with a 10-0 run to close the gap before ultimately taking the lead in the second half.
The key moment of the game came in the final seconds of regulation, as officials intervened to add a half-second back on the clock following a free throw attempt by Texas Tech’s McMillian. Ultimately, this adjustment allowed Iowa State to execute the buzzer-beating play that sent the game into overtime.
Despite committing a season-high 15 turnovers, leading to 15 points for Texas Tech, Iowa State showcased their composure and resilience to secure the hard-fought victory on the road.
Looking ahead, Texas Tech will face off against Kansas State on Tuesday night, while Iowa State is set to host 11th-ranked Kansas on Wednesday evening.l
