The Oklahoma State Cowgirls couldn't overcome an 18 point first half on the road against the Kansas State Wildcats - the loss is another addition to the "Should Not Have Lost" list for the Hoyt led Cowgirls.
The Oklahoma State Cowgirls women's basketball team suffered a tough 70-61 road loss to the Kansas State Wildcats on Tuesday night, February 10, 2026, at Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan, Kansas.
Despite entering as heavy favorites against a middling KSU squad (improving to 14-12 overall, 7-6 in Big 12), the Cowgirls dropped to 19-7 (8-5 Big 12) in a game they had no business losing, one they'll look back on as a major missed opportunity in their push for a higher NCAA Tournament seed.
OSU's nightmarish start doomed them early. The Cowgirls scored just nine points in each of the first two quarters, trailing 18-9 after the first and 29-18 at halftime. Their offense sputtered against KSU's physical defense, shooting a dismal 22.2% (6-of-27) in the half with 0-of-12 from three-point range.
Poor shot selection, limited ball movement (only four assists), and nine first-half turnovers allowed the Wildcats to dictate tempo and build a cushion.
Kansas State shot efficiently at 45.8% (11-of-24) in the opening 20 minutes, capitalizing on second-chance opportunities and transition points.
The third quarter saw OSU awaken, outscoring KSU 27-23 to trim the deficit.
They improved to 46.9% shooting overall in the second half (15-of-32), hitting 5-of-12 threes (41.7%). In the fourth, the Cowgirls mounted a furious rally, erasing a double-digit gap and tying the game at 55-55 on a key three-pointer with under five minutes left.
But Kansas State responded with composure, outscoring OSU 15-6 down the stretch with timely buckets and free throws to seal the upset.
KSU's 38 rebounds (12 offensive) and ability to force 13 OSU turnovers proved decisive, despite OSU's late surge.
Standout performers included OSU's Amari Whiting, who led with 16 points (including clutch free throws), nine rebounds, and defensive tenacity.
Stailee Heard added 14 points and solid rebounding, while Micah Gray contributed 12 points on efficient shooting but struggled early.
The Cowgirls finished 35.6% from the field (21-of-59), 20.8% from three (5-of-24), and 77.8% at the line (14-of-18).
For Kansas State, Nastja Claessens erupted for a career-high 25 points, showcasing her scoring ability.
Gina Garcia added 12 points, and Tess Heal chipped in 11 points with seven rebounds.
The Wildcats shot 41.7% overall (25-of-60), 35.3% from three (6-of-17), and 75% from the line (9-of-12), with balanced contributions keeping them ahead in crunch time.
This defeat shows OSU's vulnerability to slow starts, a recurring issue, and costly turnovers on the road.
With their NET ranking and résumé on the bubble, the Cowgirls needed this Quadrant 2 win to strengthen their at large case.
Instead, it's a hurtful reminder of missed chances as the final stretch approaches.
Next up, Oklahoma State returns home to host Texas Tech on Saturday, February 14, at 2:30 p.m. CT in Gallagher-Iba Arena, aiming to snap the skid and protect their standing.
Kansas State hits the road to face No. 25 Iowa State on Sunday, February 15, at 1:00 p.m. CT in Ames, looking to build on the momentum from the upset.