Cyclones prepare for rematch with Texas

Feb 1, 2020; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns guard Donovan Williams (4) dunks with four seconds left in the game against the Iowa State Cyclones at Frank C. Erwin Jr. Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

Two weeks ago, the Iowa State men’s basketball team went into Austin, Texas and held a lead for 25 minutes of game time.

The Cyclones held a five-point lead with 3:27 to play, but would only score two more points, going on to lose their third-straight game at the time.

On Saturday, they’ll welcome in the Longhorns for another battle at Hilton Coliseum – this one being without their star player, Tyrese Haliburton.

Coach Steve Prohm discussed how he needs different players to step up in the absence of the potential Top 10 draft pick.

“They all have to lean their separate ways,” Prohm said on Thursday. “We need everybody to step up. It’s a big game Saturday and we’ve still got a handful of games on the back half of the conference (schedule) so we can finish the season the right way.”

One of those players that he is leaning on is senior point guard Prentiss Nixon.

Despite his struggles in the early portion of the schedule, Nixon has tried to keep his head up throughout the year.

“You just can’t ever stop (working) when things aren’t going your way,” Nixon said. “Adversity hits you every day in life. I’m no stranger to it. You’ve just got to keep pushing through.”

In Iowa State’s last game, despite a 29-point loss to Oklahoma, fans saw freshman Caleb Grill put some shots in the hoop during a game for the first time since January 15.

Grill scored a career-high eight points, finishing 3-4 from the field with two three-pointers.

“I thought I played well offensively, but I had a couple of turnovers that I thought were just silly mistakes,” Grill said.

Iowa State and Texas will tip-off at Hilton Coliseum on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. The game is scheduled to be televised on ESPN2.