CINCINNATI -- Abdel Nader hit a 3-pointer with 11 seconds left that put No. 11 Iowa State ahead, and No. 22 Cincinnati missed three shots in the closing seconds, allowing the Cyclones to hold on for an 81-79 victory on Tuesday night.
The Cyclones (10-1) led by 13 points early in the second half before Troy Caupain led the Bearcats back. Kevin Johnson's 15-foot jumper gave Cincinnati (10-3) its first lead with 4:22 left.
Nader's 3-pointer from the right wing -- he'd missed his first four shots from beyond the arc -- put the Cyclones ahead once again. Caupain and Farad Cobb missed 3-pointers, and Gary Clark was short on a bank shot in the closing seconds.
Georges Niang led Iowa State with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Nader finished with 11 points, making his only 3-pointer the game winner.
Caupain had 18 points for Cincinnati, which has lost both of its games against ranked teams. The Bearcats also fell to crosstown rival Xavier 65-55.
