Game Preview: Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. Iowa State Cyclones
The Oklahoma State Cowboys have shown signs of life in their first two games of Big 12 basketball play, but they've been unable to capitalize, resulting in two losses to open the new year.
Riding a winning streak into the new year, the Cowboys have been able to take the two straight losses and maintain a winning record, but it could even out to .500 if they lost to Iowa State.
The Cowboys recently took a 17-point loss to Texas Tech after playing Baylor close in their conference opener. Again, there was flashes in both games but capitalizing on those was an issue.
Game Info:
Game time: 8:00 p.m. CT
Where: James H. Hilton Coliseum, Ames, IA
Records: OSU (8-7), Iowa State (12-3)
Spread: Iowa State -12.5
TV Channel: ESPN+
This game could get ugly for the Cowboys if they're not careful. The Cyclones average 82.7 points per game, which beats the Cowboys' 74.9 points per game. On top of this, the Cyclones allow just 59.5 points per game, whereas Oklahoma State allows 68.2 points per game.
The two margins in which the Cowboys lead the Cyclones is rebounding, with 0.7 more rebounds per game, and blocks, with 0.4 more blocks per game.
Where Iowa State hoists the most dangerous advantage is with their steals per game. They steal the ball an average of 11.3 times per game. The Cowboys have been known to struggle to maintain possession of the basketball early this season.
If the Cowboys come into this game turning the ball over and allowing easy fast break points to the Cyclones, they hold virtually no chance in this one. They're a double-digit underdog and will already have to play an incredibly clean game to come away with an upset victory.
The Big 12 basketball schedule does no favors and is far from forgiving, so the Cowboys could really benefit from a big upset win to capture some momentum.
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Kade has been covering a wide variety of teams ranging from the NFL to the NBA and college athletics since joining Sports Illustrated's On SI in 2022