Instacap: OSU Holds On to Win in Ames 80–71

The Cowboys closed down Hilton Coliseum for the 2017-18 regular season behind some tough defensive effort and by cleaning up on the glass. It was the first Oklahoma State win in Ames in its last seven tries (and eight years total).

The Cowboys came out with plenty of effort, besting the Cyclones on the glass 23-16 in the first half. That included a 10-4 edge in offensive rebounds and 16-4 win in the second-chance points department.

It was a pretty even affair for most of the first half when the Cowboys opened it up with a 7-0 run followed shortly by a 10-0 run. The Pokes grew their lead to 11 twice before taking a 48-43 lead into the break.

The Pokes came out of the break hot, starting the second half on a 12-3 run through five minutes. More importantly, the Pokes were active and disruptive on defense, forcing the ‘Clones into a 1-for-10 start from the field during that span.

But the Cyclones climbed back into the game the way streaky teams tend to. After starting the half 0-for-3 from deep, Iowa State made 5 of their next 7 from 3 to pull within 7.

But for as fast as they had heated up, the Cyclones cooled off just as quickly. Iowa State suffered through an 0-for-7 streak from the field late, and the Cowboys made the few buckets they needed to earn their third Big 12 road win and first conference sweep of the season.

When it was over

After growing its lead to 14 with just three minutes remaining, Oklahoma State tried to make things interesting with a couple of silly turnovers, allowing Iowa State to pull within 8 with two minutes remaining.

But with 1:13 left, and with the shot clock waning, Jeff Carroll stuck the dagger deep into the hearts of the Hilton Faithful, securing his first victory in Ames.

Player of the game: Jeffrey Carroll

I had this whole paragraph written about Cam McGriff’s big game. Stay tuned.

But with effort and daggers Jeff Carroll stepped up and reminded us what he can do. He played very good defense, rebounded and led all scorers with 21 points. He also sniffed a triple-double with eight rebounds and seven assists to just one turnover.

Carroll’s been a bit of enigma this year and, at times, has looked like OSU’s third- or fourth-best player. But there’s no denying that this team is its best when Clip is leading the way.

Stat you should know

Call ’em Windex, cause the Pokes left the glass streak-free.

The Cowboys owned the offensive glass 15-9 and paid those off with 24 second-chance points to just 4 by the Cyclones. That was one of the big differences in this game and it was all about effort.

What’s next

The Cowboys welcome the Jayhawks for a senior curtain call inside Gallagher-Iba and a chance to boost their currently outside-looking-in case for the NCAA Tournament.