clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

RECAP: OSU Surrenders Lead, Falls to Baylor 69-65

On the 15th anniversary of the plane crash that took 10 lives from Oklahoma State, the Cowboys welcomed Baylor into Gallagher Iba Arena.

By Cade Webb
Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports

Another game, another Oklahoma State gut-wrenching loss.

The Cowboys came into Wednesday's game having lost five of their last six, with the lone win coming against then-third ranked Kansas. While there is not much left to be aspired in terms of post-season hopes, this was still a must-win for Oklahoma State. After a promising first half, careless turnovers and sloppy defensive play allowed Baylor to retake the lead and hold it for most of the second half.

Game Notes:

  • I thought OSU was going to run away with the game in the first half. They looked efficient, and it felt as if Baylor had no answer for OSU on the offensive end.
  • Mitchell Solomon nearly doubled his PPG season average in the first three minutes of the first half, and didn't have to sit with two fouls with 18:00 left in the first half. I thought he showed more energy on the offensive end, but fouls would eventually play a role. Solomon later fouled out early in the second half.
  • Leyton Hammonds is going to be the x-factor in a lot of games down the stretch. At 6-7, he will more than likely be stuck at the flex 4, and could provide some interior scoring along with his 3-point ability. He needs to continue to get better and showcase his growing confidence. After racking up 12 first half points, he was held to just one point in the second half.
  • Baylor held a slim 15-13 rebounding advantage in the first half, which was ideal for the Cowboys. OSU probably wasn't going to out-rebound the Bears, but they had to keep it closer than the 44-19 thumping they took last time these teams met. Baylor would finish the game holding a 31-26 rebounding advantage, including an 11-4 offensive rebound advantage.
  • OSU’s offensive game plan was to clearly get the ball into the middle of Baylor’s zone defense, and they took advantage of easy looks in the paint, shooting 54 percent in the first half. The Pokes defense also played well in the first half, holding Baylor to just 37 percent from the field. In the 2nd half, Baylor showed OSU the same zone that they handled so well in the first half, but that success did not carry over. OSU finished the game having given the ball away 16 times, most of which came in the 2nd half. OSU finished the game shooting 50 percent from the field.

Game Musings:

  • The Remember the 10 game is always tough for me. January 27th is an annual, sobering reminder that there are things far more important than basketball. Seeing how Oklahoma State, the fans, and the community, have so graciously honored the families of the 10 victims, it is always a reminder to myself, and everyone else, of the reason we truly love Oklahoma State University.
  • Rico Gathers cut the elastic collar on his jersey down the middle. Can he not fit into a basketball jersey? Could you imagine him in football pads? He's more physically intimidating than that Oakman guy.
  • Jawun Evans hit the century mark for assists on the season tonight as a freshman. He finished the game with 10.
  • Speaking of Jawun Evans, the kid is obviously incredibly gifted and susceptible to learning. However, he showed on multiple occasions tonight that he is still a freshman. Evans had four turnovers, one being a crucial steal from behind coming in the last minute.
  • There were 48 fouls called in tonight's game. For you math aficionados, that is 1.2 fouls per minute.
  • Joe Burton had a solid game tonight, knocking down two 3-pointers, with this one coming in the waning moments of the second half.
  • I've said it so many times, but Chris Olivier is so smooth with his left hand, and is the opposite with his right hand.
  • Travis Ford apparently left the postgame press conference in abrupt fashion.



Up Next: @ Auburn, Saturday, 7 P.M.

More From Cowboys Ride For Free