Instant Recap: Oklahoma State Falls to No. 9 Iowa State 84-71

BOXSCORE

A decent crowd braved the weather to watch the Cowboys play. At least they gave them a show in the second half.

Oklahoma State fell to No. 9 Iowa State 84-71, despite a Herculean effort down the stretch. But there’s a reason it took such an effort just get back within 10.

The Cowboys got a masterclass for offensive execution in the first half. Unfortunately, it came at their own expense. The Cyclones looked more the 2016 Golden State Warriors. The Cyclones shot 62% from the field and made nine 3-pointers (shooting 53%) in the first half.

Three Cyclones scored in double digits — in the first half. Milan Momcilovic had 19 points on just eight shots and Joshua Jefferson added 16 on seven while going 4-for-4 from deep. Momcilovic finished with a game-high 29 and set an Iowa State record with his eighth game of at least five made 3s. Jefferson ended the day with 20 points on eight shots.

Anthony Roy made the Pokes’ first shot, and then the Cowboys missed nine straight field-goal attempts. By the time they were able to pry the lid off the bucket, Iowa State had a 25-7 lead. The Cowboys shot just 31% from the field and went 3-of-16 from deep in the first half. The Cyclones ended the half on a 14-2 run to go into the break with 51-21 lead.

Iowa State was also able to impose its will on the glass and in the passing lanes. The Cyclones outrebounded the Cowboys 17-11 and scored 14 points off 10 first-half OSU turnovers.

But the Cowboys came out of the break with a lot more vigor. It’s just a shame Steve Lutz can’t somehow brainwash his team into thinking they’re down 30 at tipoff.

OSU was able to make up some ground by getting into passing lanes themselves. At the media timeout with 11:03 to go, OSU had cut the lead to 19 and had scored seven points off seven Iowa State turnovers. The Cyclones started the second half just 1-for-6 from the field and the Cowboys were on an 8-0 run.

But the Cowboys’ shooting slumped, and the Cyclones made a concerted effort to get back into the paint and stop any bleeding.

OSU made another late effort. Kanye Clary stole the ball and spotted up a transition 3 to pull the Pokes within 15 with four minutes to go. Then they pulled to within 10 with 1:48 left, but the Cyclones were able to weather that late push and hold on for the win.

OSU outscored Iowa State by 17 in the second half with 18 of those Cowboy points coming off 12 turnovers. The Cowboys only allowed one point off just four giveaways in the second. Again, it’s a shame Lutz can’t bottle that effort or urgency to be used at a better time. Like before his team is getting blown out.

While the Cyclones had three double-digit scorers at halftime, no Cowboy reached 10 points until there was 8:22 left in the game.

Jaylen Curry shared the team lead with 19 points on 6-of-17 shooting (3-of-8 from 3). He also grabbed four rebounds and a team-high three assists.  Kanye Clary added 19 of his own on just seven shots. He was 7-of-8 from the free-throw line. The Cyclones held Anthony Roy to just seven points, his first game in single digits as a Cowboy.

The Cyclones are off to a program-best 18-2 start. With the loss, the Cowboys fall to 14-6 and 2-5 in Big 12 play. They’ll have a week to figure some things out. OSU next heads to Salt Lake City to face Utah at 5 p.m. Jan. 31.