Three Things to Know Before Oklahoma State Hosts UCF

The Cowboys have lost two straight, falling to TCU by one point on the road before getting clobbered by No. 12 Texas Tech at home. On Wednesday, they’ll host a UCF team that’s looking to break a six-game losing streak.

Let’s take a look at three things to know before the Cowboys host the Knights on Wednesday night.

1. UCF Could Provide a Get-Well Game

The Cowboys are coming off one of their worst offensive performances of the year, but they should get a reprieve from the stingy defenses they’ve faced of late.

The Pokes’ last three losses came to Houston, TCU and Texas Tech, teams allowing 57.3, 67 and 68 points per game, respectively. UCF, on the other hand, comes in with the worst scoring defense in the Big 12 and one that ranks 346th nationally, as UCF gives up 79.6 points a game. The Knights (45.5%) are ahead of only OSU (46.5%) in opponent field-goal percentage allowed in the league. To help the Cowboys’ case, UCF ranks last in team shooting percentage itself, shooting just 41.9% from the field. (OSU is 14th.)

Against Tech, Chi Chi Avery was the only Cowboy to score in double figures, and the Pokes shot just 37% from the field. They also shot a season-low 52.4% from the free-throw line. So maybe the shots just weren’t falling, regardless, but if there is a team to get your shooting stroke back against, it’s UCF. We’ll see if the Cowboys can take advantage.

2. Both Teams in Need of a Win

After a 3-2 start to conference play — including a win over Texas Tech — UCF has dropped eight of nine and comes in riding a six-game skid.

The two teams have had a rough go this year, the Cowboys in Year 1 under Steve Lutz and the Knights in Year 2 in the Big 12.

UCF went 17-16 last year and at 13-12 is on pace for a similar finish. Both teams are 4-10 in conference play and just looking to build off the next win and stay out of the Big 12 basement inhabited by Colorado and Arizona State. The Knights just allowed the Buffaloes their first conference win of the season. To commiserate, the Cowboys just dipped below .500 for the first time this season at 12-13.

3. Brave the Weather, Walk in Free

In anticipation of inclement weather continuing across the state, OSU is allowing free admission to the game. So, if you are in town (or drive a tank) and are up to braving the cold, you should take the opportunity to support the Pokes in person. Season ticket holders will be given first dibs for their spots.

FREE ADMISSION!!

See y’all tomorrow 🤠 pic.twitter.com/asGlH10Sod

— OSU Cowboy Basketball (@OSUMBB) February 18, 2025

The Cowboys and Knights should take notes on each other on Wednesday because they’ll meet again soon. As the season winds down, OSU will face UCF twice in as many weeks. Oklahoma State travels to Orlando two weeks to the day after Wednesday’s matchup for their final road game of the season.

OSU and UCF will tip off at 8 p.m. Wednesday inside Gallagher-Iba Arena.