Oklahoma State heads west this weekend, looking to snap a two-game skid as they square off against Utah in Salt Lake City. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m. CT at the Huntsman Center, where Coach Steve Lutz and the Cowboys will try to regain their early-season rhythm against a Utes squad also searching for answers.
Let’s set the stage.
Two Teams in Need of a Reset
Oklahoma State (14-6, 2-5 Big 12) started the season like a team on a mission, stacking up non-conference wins with an offense that looked sharp and confident. But conference play has been a grind. After a thrilling one-point win over Kansas State, the Cowboys dropped back-to-back games and now find themselves looking to regain traction in a loaded Big 12.
Utah (9-11, 1-6) is in a similar spot. The Utes have dropped two straight, including losses to Kansas State and No.
13 BYU. Coach Alex Jensen’s group is still trying to find consistency on both ends of the floor, especially against high-powered offenses like Oklahoma State’s.
Where and When to Watch
- Date: Saturday, Jan. 31
- Time: 5 p.m. CT
- Location: Huntsman Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
- TV/Streaming: Check local listings for broadcast and streaming options.
- Radio: Dave Hunziker and John Holcomb will be on the call for the Cowboys on KGFY 105.5 FM and the Varsity Network App.
Oklahoma State’s Season So Far
The Cowboys came out of the gates flying, opening the season with a string of convincing wins. They put up triple digits multiple times and showed off a deep, versatile offense that could score in transition or grind it out in the half court.
Here’s a look at their results to date:
- Notable Wins: Nov.
4: OSU 95, Oral Roberts 71
- Nov.
27: OSU 86, Northwestern 81
- Dec.
2: OSU 93, Sam Houston 83
- Dec.
29: OSU 103, Bethune Cookman 77
- Jan.
6: OSU 87, UCF 76
- Jan.
17: OSU 84, Kansas State 83
- Tough Losses in Conference Play: Jan.
3: Texas Tech 102, OSU 80
- Jan.
10: Iowa State 83, OSU 71
- Jan.
13: Baylor 94, OSU 79
- Jan.
20: TCU 68, OSU 65
- Jan.
24: Iowa State 84, OSU 71
That conference record doesn’t tell the full story. OSU has been competitive in most of these matchups, but they’ve struggled to close out games against top-tier competition. The talent is there - they just need to string together a full 40 minutes.
What’s Next After Utah?
After Saturday’s road test, the Cowboys return home for a big one against BYU on Feb. 4, followed by another tough road stretch at Arizona and Arizona State. The schedule doesn’t ease up, but this team has shown it can hang with anyone when they’re clicking.
Here’s a quick look at what’s ahead:
- Feb. 4: vs. BYU, 8 p.m.
- Feb. 7: at Arizona, 3 p.m.
- Feb. 10: at Arizona State, 8 p.m.
- Feb. 14: vs. TCU, 11 a.m.
- Feb. 18: vs. Kansas, 8 p.m.
- Feb. 21: at Colorado, 2:30 p.m.
- Feb. 24: vs.
West Virginia, 6 p.m.
- Feb. 28: at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.
- March 3: at UCF, 6 p.m.
- March 7: vs.
Houston, 11 a.m.
- March 10-14: Big 12 Tournament in Kansas City
Final Word
This matchup against Utah might not carry the weight of a rivalry or a ranked showdown, but make no mistake - it’s a pivotal moment in Oklahoma State’s season. A win on the road could steady the ship and build some momentum heading into a brutal February stretch. A loss, and the Cowboys risk falling deeper into the Big 12 standings.
Keep an eye on how OSU responds early. If they can set the tone with their pace and ball movement, they’ve got the firepower to leave Salt Lake City with a much-needed win.