Iowa State's Stunning Comeback Victory Marred by Viral Broadcast Controversy
In a thrilling college basketball showdown on February 16, 2026, the No. 6 ranked Iowa State Cyclones delivered one of their most significant victories of the season, rallying from a double-digit deficit to defeat the No. 2 Houston Cougars 70-67 at Hilton Coliseum in Ames. However, the dramatic finish was partially obscured for television viewers by an unexpected broadcast interruption that quickly went viral across social media platforms.
The Chaotic Game That Had Everything
The Houston Cougars appeared to be in complete control during the second half, opening with an impressive 18-6 run that gave them a commanding 58-48 lead with just 11 minutes remaining in regulation. The Cougars even extended their advantage to 10 points with 7:09 left on the clock, seemingly putting the game out of reach for the home team.
Iowa State's remarkable comeback began with key contributions from multiple players. Tamin Lipsey tied the score at 63 with a crucial free throw at the 3:45 mark, setting the stage for a tense final stretch. After Chris Cenac Jr. briefly put Houston back in front at 3:21, Jamarion Batemon responded with a clutch three-pointer to regain the lead for the Cyclones.
The back-and-forth continued as Kingston Flemings answered with a jumper for Houston, but Nate Heise delivered what would become the game-winning shot—a corner three-pointer with just 1:17 remaining that gave Iowa State a 69-67 advantage they would not relinquish.
The Viral Pom-Pom Moment That Stole Attention
As the final seconds ticked away with Iowa State clinging to their narrow lead, an unusual broadcast incident captured national attention. With exactly 45.2 seconds remaining in the game, a large pom-pom held by an enthusiastic fan in the lower seating area drifted into the ESPN camera frame, partially blocking the view of the court during this critical moment.
The obstruction was clearly visible on the live broadcast and quickly became a social media sensation. Shelby Hilliard (@ShelbyCHilliard) amplified the moment by posting a screenshot on X with the caption: "Someone throw this pom pom into the sun, please so, so I can enjoy the ending of Iowa State Houston." The image clearly showed the pom-pom covering part of the baseline while the score graphic displayed Iowa State 69, Houston 67.
Fan Frustration Boils Over Online
Other viewers immediately echoed similar frustrations across various social media platforms. One fan complained, "can't see shit on Iowa State, Houston, because a fan holding up a pom pom," while another added, "#movethepompom trying to watch Houston vs Iowa State and a grown a**man won't put down that damn Pom Pom."
These reactions highlighted just how intently viewers were watching the final moments of this high-stakes matchup between two top-ranked teams, with the broadcast obstruction becoming an unexpected subplot to the game's dramatic conclusion.
Statistical Standouts and Final Sequence
On the court, Joshua Jefferson led Iowa State with 12 points, while Nate Heise contributed 11 points and Blake Buchanan added 10. For Houston, Kingston Flemings was the game's leading scorer with an impressive 22-point performance.
The final possession saw Houston's Chris Cenac Jr. miss a potential game-tying short jumper, with Blake Buchanan securing the crucial rebound and drawing a foul. After Buchanan missed his first free throw attempt, Tamin Lipsey grabbed the offensive rebound and converted the second free throw to seal the 70-67 victory for the Cyclones.
This remarkable comeback victory, achieved through a closing 17-4 run after trailing by double digits, will be remembered not only for its basketball significance but also for the unusual broadcast moment that captured the internet's attention during the game's most critical seconds.
