Ames, Iowa —Pamiers, France — a small town known for its three bell towers and a museum dedicated to magic — has found its latest export of enchantment in Iowa State freshman point guard Killyan Toure. On Sunday afternoon, Toure experienced a different kind of magic — “Hilton Magic” — as the Cyclones defeated Northwestern, 80–72, in a preseason exhibition at Hilton Coliseum.
If there were any nerves, they didn’t show. Toure filled the box score with 11 points, five rebounds, five assists, and three steals, looking every bit the part of a Big 12-ready guard.
“It’s like he was born to play here,” Northwestern head coach Chris Collins said afterward. “He’s exactly the kind of player Coach T.J. Otzelberger loves — tough, downhill, and fearless. Once they get Tamin Lipsey back, they’re going to be even better.”
The victory was a solid rebound for Iowa State, which fell to Creighton, 71–58, in its previous exhibition. This time, the Cyclones controlled the tempo late, outscoring Northwestern 10–3 in points off turnovers during the closing stretch.
Nate Heise led the way offensively, catching fire from deep with 19 points on 5-for-7 shooting from three-point range. Joshua Jefferson and Dominick Nelson each added 17 points, helping ISU overcome a slow start and find its rhythm before a roaring home crowd.
Nelson provided a spark off the bench, going 6-for-6 from the free-throw line, dishing four assists, and grabbing four steals — a game-high.
“Coach always preaches energy,” Nelson said. “I just wanted to make an impact right away — push the pace, get downhill, and create for my teammates.”
Jefferson’s two-way play stood out as well. The forward posted seven rebounds, four blocks, and a steal to go with his 17 points.
“Joshua is one of the best defenders in our league and maybe the country,” Otzelberger said. “He ends possessions — whether it’s a rebound, a block, or a steal — and that’s invaluable.”
Energy was the word of the night for the Cyclones. Even role players like Eric Mulder made their minutes count, finishing a perfect 3-for-3 from the field with two dunks.
“When those guys bring that kind of intensity, their minutes reflect it,” Otzelberger said.
Heise’s bounce-back performance may have been the most encouraging sign. After going 0-for-3 from beyond the arc in the Creighton game, the senior guard responded with an efficient 7-for-10 shooting night, adding four steals and two assists.
“That’s the Nate Heise we know,” Otzelberger said. “He impacted the game on both ends and set the tone for everyone else. That’s the standard we expect from him every night.”
For Toure, it was a debut to remember. More than 4,500 miles from home, the freshman guard looked completely at ease under the bright lights of Hilton Coliseum.
“It’s really special to be here,” Toure said. “Coach T.J. believes in me and in how I play. It feels like the perfect fit.”
Iowa State opens its regular season Nov. 3 at home against Fairleigh Dickinson, looking to carry its renewed energy — and a touch of that “Hilton Magic” — into the games that count.
