The Pokes aim to upset No. 3 Iowa State in Ames on Saturday - If they can do so, they’re sure to make the top 25 AP Poll on Monday
AMES, Iowa — Oklahoma State Men’s College Basketball hits the road for their 16th game of the season on Saturday afternoon, January 10th, facing the No. 3 Iowa State Cyclones in a high-stakes Big 12 matchup at Hilton Coliseum.
Oklahoma State Cowboys (13-2, 1-1 Big 12) - Head Coach: Steve Lutz (Second Year at Oklahoma State – 30-20)
vs.
Iowa State Cyclones
(15-0, 2-0 Big 12) - Head Coach: T.J. Otzelberger (Fifth Year at Iowa State – 115-55)
How To Watch:
ESPN+
Time: 3:00 PM CT
Radio:
Cowboy Radio Network (Dave Hunziker & John Holcomb)
Series:
Oklahoma State holds a 73-68 edge in the all-time series against Iowa State, dating back to January 8, 1927.
The Cowboys have struggled on the road in Ames, with a 19-42 record away, but they boast a strong recent history, including a notable upset over the No. 9 Cyclones on February 25, 2025, in Stillwater.
Iowa State’s home dominance is evident with a 42-18 record at Hilton Coliseum.
Last season’s split saw OSU win at home while dropping the road game, setting the stage for another intense battle.
This Big 12 contest presents Oklahoma State with a golden opportunity to notch a Quad 1 victory and boost their conference standing against an unbeaten foe riding a school-record 15-game win streak.
The Cowboys enter with momentum after avenging their Texas Tech drubbing with an 87-76 home win over No. 25 UCF on January 6th.
In that game, OSU showcased balanced scoring and resilience, led by Parsa Fallah’s 24 points and Kanye Clary’s 18 points plus nine rebounds. The victory snapped a brief skid and improved OSU to 1-1 in Big 12 play, highlighting their offensive prowess despite defensive lapses.
Coming off a 102-80 loss to No. 15 Texas Tech on January 3rd, where turnovers and poor shooting plagued them, the Cowboys rebounded strongly against UCF.
OSU continues to excel offensively, averaging 90.2 points per game (18th nationally) with a top-10 adjusted tempo per KenPom.
However, their defense ranks 320th in points allowed (79.7), a vulnerability that could be exploited by Iowa State.
Injuries persist as Forward Robert Jennings II is out for the season with a hip injury, redshirting medically, while center Parsa Fallah manages a back issue but has been productive, averaging 12.8 points and 6.1 rebounds.
The bench remains a strength, leading the Big 12 with 37.1 points per game. Five Cowboys score in double figures as Anthony Roy (17.7 ppg), Vyctorius Miller (15.9 ppg, 48% from three), Jaylen Curry (13.7 ppg, 5.2 apg), Parsa Fallah (12.8 ppg), and Kanye Clary (11.8 ppg, 4.8 apg).
OSU is 25-0 under Lutz when scoring 80 or more and shoots 53% in second halves.
No. 3 Iowa State, ranked third in the AP Poll, is off to a historic 15-0 start, including dominant wins over Fairleigh Dickinson (88-50) and Grambling State (102-62).
Picked as Big 12 favorites, the Cyclones average high-scoring outputs under Otzelberger, with a stingy defense holding opponents under 65 points in many games.
Key players include guard Tamin Lipsey (all-around leader), forward Nate Heise (6-5 scorer), and newcomers like Jamarion Batemon and Blake Buchanan adding depth.
Iowa State shoots efficiently from the field and thrives at home, where the “Hilton Magic” crowd often rattles visitors.
On the road, OSU is 4-2 this season, but facing an undefeated team will test their rebounding edge (+6.3 per game). A win would catapult Oklahoma State to 14-2, marking one of their best starts in years, and derail Iowa State’s perfect run.
Expect the Cowboys to push the pace, improve ball security, and target interior mismatches with Fallah while containing Lipsey’s playmaking. OSU must weather the hostile environment, limit turnovers, and rely on hot three-point shooting to pull off the upset.
Cowboy Player to Watch:
Center Parsa Fallah
Fresh off a 24-point outburst against UCF, Fallah’s interior presence (12.8 ppg, 6.1 rpg) could be crucial against Iowa State’s frontcourt.
His ability to draw fouls and rebound will key any upset bid, especially with his back issue under control.