In Stillwater, Oklahoma State was on the brink of ending a five-game losing streak in dramatic fashion. With just 5.5 seconds left in overtime, big man Parsa Fallah delivered a thunderous dunk on a fast break, sealing the Cowboys' victory over West Virginia.
But the celebration was cut short when Fallah landed awkwardly, clutching his knee and hitting the court with a grimace. The silence in Gallagher-Iba Arena was palpable, as fans anxiously awaited news on the player who has been a cornerstone for the Cowboys this season.
Despite the somber twist, Oklahoma State secured a 91-84 win, with Fallah contributing significantly-posting a team-high 18 points and grabbing eight rebounds. His performance this season has been stellar, ranking second on the team in scoring with an average of 14.7 points per game, and leading in rebounds.
The night also featured a standout performance from Jaylen Curry, who emerged as an unexpected hero. Known for his struggles from beyond the arc, Curry surprised everyone by sinking a crucial 3-pointer with less than two minutes left, putting the Cowboys up by seven.
Curry was on fire, going 5-of-6 from the field and a perfect 3-of-3 from three-point range, matching his season-high from distance. This breakout performance marked his best scoring night since an 18-point game against BYU earlier this month.
The victory was a much-needed relief for Oklahoma State (17-11, 5-10 Big 12), especially after they nearly squandered a 14-point lead in the second half. Junior Kanye Clary played a pivotal role in turning the tide, hitting his first 3-pointer just as West Virginia took the lead. Clary went on to tie his season-high with three 3-pointers, finishing with 17 points, just shy of his season-best.
Clary's clutch shooting included a critical 3-pointer that gave OSU a five-point edge with just over three minutes left in regulation. This came on the heels of an impressive sequence by Fallah, who hit a three-pointer, then blocked a shot, showcasing his all-around impact on the game.
While the Cowboys celebrated a hard-fought win, the focus remains on Fallah's health, as the team hopes for a quick recovery for their star player.