Oklahoma State’s stalled and uninspired play in first half ultimately led to their defeat on Saturday
STILLWATER, Okla. —
In a Saturday afternoon showdown at Gallagher-Iba Arena on January 24, 2026, the No. 9 Iowa State Cyclones delivered a convincing 84-71 victory over the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
The game, played before a spirited home crowd in Stillwater, saw Iowa State’s offensive power and exposed Oklahoma State’s ongoing struggles with consistency.
Despite a valiant second-half push from the Cowboys, their early woes proved too much to overcome, dropping their record to 14-6 overall and 2-5 in Big 12 play.
Iowa State, meanwhile, improved to 18-2 and 5-2 in the conference, solidifying their status as a top contender.
The Cowboys’ slow start set the tone for a lopsided first half.
Oklahoma State came out flat, missing nine of their first 10 shots and all six of their initial three-point attempts.
Iowa State capitalized immediately, racing to an 11-2 lead and extending it to 23-4 just seven minutes in.
Milan Momcilovic, the Cyclones’ standout forward, ignited the run with a three-pointer and a foul-drawing play that highlighted Iowa State’s efficient offense.
By halftime, the Cyclones had built a commanding 51-21 advantage, outscoring the Cowboys by 30 points in the opening period.
Oklahoma State’s defense couldn’t contain the perimeter, allowing Iowa State to drain nine of 17 threes in the first half alone.
Iowa State’s success stemmed largely from their exceptional three-point shooting and floor spacing, which kept Oklahoma State chasing the entire game.
The Cyclones finished 13-of-26 from beyond the arc (50%), using crisp ball movement and screens to create open looks that stretched the Cowboys’ defense thin.
This spacing not only generated high-percentage shots but also disrupted Oklahoma State’s rhythm, forcing them into rushed possessions and turnovers.
Momcilovic was the beneficiary, pouring in 19 points before the break and finishing with a game-high 29 on 8-of-12 shooting, including 5-of-9 from deep and a perfect 8-of-8 from the free-throw line.
Joshua Jefferson added 20 points for Iowa State, providing balance inside and out.
The second half offered a glimmer of hope for Oklahoma State as they mounted a furious rally, outscoring Iowa State 50-33 over the final 20 minutes.
Guards Kanye Clary and Jaylen Curry led the charge with 19 points apiece, combining for efficient scoring and timely threes that chipped away at the deficit.
Clary’s three-pointer with 1:37 remaining cut the lead to 10, energizing the Gallagher-Iba faithful and hinting at a potential comeback.
However, the rally fell short, as Iowa State’s poise and free-throw accuracy in the closing moments sealed the win.
The Cowboys’ effort was commendable but ultimately futile against the early hole they dug themselves.
This loss highlights a recurring issue for Oklahoma State…the absolute inability to play complete, 40-minute games.
With their Big 12 record now at 2-5 and five losses in their last seven contests, the Cowboys must address their inconsistent starts if they hope to have any aspirations for the NCAA Tournament in March.
Coach Steve Lutz’s squad has shown flashes of talent, particularly in second-half adjustments, but lapses like the first-half debacle against Iowa State could derail their postseason hopes in a loaded conference.
Looking ahead, Oklahoma State has a week to regroup before facing Utah on the road next Saturday, January 31.
It’s a crucial matchup against another Big 12 foe as the Cowboys aim to build momentum.
Iowa State, riding a two-game winning streak, returns home to host Colorado on Thursday, January 29, where they’ll look to maintain their top-10 ranking and conference standing.
In the end, Iowa State’s blend of sharpshooting and defensive discipline proved decisive, while Oklahoma State’s tale of two halves serves as a stark reminder that you have to compete for 40 minutes, not just 20.
As March approaches, the Cowboys will need to refine their approach to navigate their February schedule. Games that will ultimately determine their post season fate.