When DeMeco Ryans became coach of the Houston Texans before last season, the two-time Pro Bowl linebacker brought his swarm defense with him. It’s an identity the Texans have embraced as they prepare for their second straight trip to the divisional round of the playoffs Saturday where they’ll face the Kansas City Chiefs.

Though the Cyclones haven't signed huge names in the transfer portal, their 74-57 win was a sign they got the right ones.

The Cyclones took down Kansas on Wednesday night thanks to an impressive defensive effort and clutch buckets on offense.

Curtis Jones scored 25 points on 9-for-17 shooting, including 5-for-6 accuracy from 3-point range, and No. 2 Iowa State pulled away for a 74-57 win over No. 9 Kansas on Wednesday in Ames, Iowa.

Texas Tech held Kansas State scoreless for the game's final 5:49 and sent the Wildcats to a fourth consecutive loss with a 61-57 decision on Tuesday night in Manhattan, Kan.

Jerome Tang excitedly stomped up and down the sideline, Kansas State players made impressive shots and fans filled the arena with noise. You couldn’t tell the Wildcats were on a losing streak. But the good vibes didn’t last.