The Pokes Good Night Puts The Knights To Bed, 87-76

STILLWATER, Okla. —

In a thrilling Big 12 matchup on Tuesday night at Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater, the Oklahoma State Cowboys delivered a statement win, defeating the No. 25 UCF Knights 87-76.

This victory not only snapped UCF’s impressive 11-game winning streak but also boosted OSU’s record to 13-2 overall and 1-1 in conference play, while dropping the Knights to 12-2 and 1-1.

The Cowboys, under head coach Steve Lutz, displayed their toughness and sharp shooting to secure their 11th consecutive home win, extending their perfect 11-0 record at home this season.  

The game started with Oklahoma State asserting early dominance, building a 31-23 lead in the first half despite enduring a field goal drought that lasted over seven minutes.

The Cowboys’ defense was pivotal, holding UCF to just one three-pointer in the opening period and forcing the Knights into tough shots. Jaylen Curry broke the scoring lull with a steal and layup at the 3:25 mark, pushing the lead to double digits. UCF clawed back momentarily, narrowing the gap to 36-32 on free throws from Devan Cambridge, but Kanye Clary drained a crucial three-pointer with nine seconds left to send OSU into halftime up 41-32.

Parsa Fallah was a force early, pouring in 16 of his game-high 24 points in the first half, setting the tone for OSU’s offensive efficiency. 

The second half saw UCF mount a spirited comeback, reeling off seven straight points to cut the deficit to a single point at 51-50.

The Knights’ pressure intensified, and back-to-back three-pointers from George Beale Jr. brought them within 67-64, energizing the visiting bench and putting the home crowd on edge.

However, Oklahoma State responded with poise and calmness, embarking on a 13-1 run that shot the lead to 80-65 late in the game.

This surge was fueled by timely buckets and stout defense, as the Cowboys limited UCF to 37.5% shooting from the field and a dismal 21.2% (7-of-33) from beyond the arc overall.

OSU’s own shooting was lights out, hitting 47.2% from the floor and an impressive 52.6% (10-of-19) on threes, while converting 27 of 35 free throws (77.1%). The rebounding battle was tight, with OSU edging out a +3 margin (39-36), a season-high against a UCF team that had been dominating the boards in prior games.  

Standout performances defined the night for the Cowboys. Fallah’s 24 points came on efficient shooting, anchoring the interior presence.

Clary was nearly a triple-double threat with 18 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, exploding for 15 points in the second half on 5-of-7 shooting and knocking down a season-high three threes.

Anthony Roy added 15 points, including 4-of-7 from deep, extending his streak of multiple three-pointers to 11 straight games, tying for the fourth-longest in program history.

Vyctorius Miller chipped in 13 points and six rebounds, while Andrija Vukovic contributed two blocks and two steals in his return from injury.

For UCF, Riley Kugel led with 15 points, and Jamichael Stillwell added 13, but the Knights’ offensive struggles, including 11 turnovers and poor perimeter shooting, proved costly.  

This win marked OSU’s 141st victory over an AP Top 25 team and their first against a ranked opponent this season, improving to 1-1 in such matchups. It also highlighted the Cowboys’ bounce-back ability, now 13-6 in games following a loss under Lutz.

Defensively, OSU stifled UCF’s typically potent attack, holding them well below their season averages.

The game featured OSU’s 13th different starting lineup, with Benjamin Ahmed making his first collegiate start in place of the ill Christian Coleman.

Overall, the Cowboys’ balanced attack and defensive grit turned what could have been a close contest into a convincing upset, signaling their potential as a Big 12 contender.

Up Next

Oklahoma State hits the road for their next challenge, facing Iowa State on Saturday, January 10, at 4:00 PM ET in Ames. 

Meanwhile, UCF returns home to host Cincinnati on Sunday, January 11, at 4:00 PM ET.