Game Preview: Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. West Virginia Mountaineers
It's nearly the end of January and the Oklahoma State Cowboys are still searching for their first Big 12 basketball win of the season. Frankly, their matchup against the West Virginia Mountaineers might just be their best opportunity to do so.
The Cowboys are 0-6 to start their basketball conference schedule. They were 3-5 to start non-conference play before rattling off five straight wins to get to 8-5 before Big 12 play began.
Still, given the team's form, it was always going to be a tough transition to the Big 12 schedule. It's proven to have been so this far into conference play as they head into this game looking to find their first big win.
Game Info:
Game time: Saturday, Jan. 26, 1:00 p.m. CT
Where: Gallagher-Iba Arena, Stillwater, OK
Records: OSU (8-11, 0-6), West Virginia (7-12, 2-4)
Spread: OSU -4.5
TV Channel: ESPN+
The Cowboys have the better overall record by one game, but the Mountaineers have two big conference wins. They've taken wins over Kansas -- arguably the best basketball team in the Big 12 -- and Texas.
While the Mountaineers technically have a worse overall record, they have shown the capability to win big games. The Cowboys, on the other hand, have found ways to lose games they were in a prime position to win or close out.
Statistically speaking, the Cowboys are better than the Mountaineers. They are better when it comes to points per game, points allowed per game, rebounds per game, assists per game and field goal percentage.
Playing in Stillwater, Oklahoma State will have to capitalize on a big opportunity. They're the betting favorite and they've shown the ability to put themselves in a good position to win the game late, but they've got to make solid, grounded plays and play like the more talented team to snap their six-game skid.
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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