RECAP: Oklahoma State stumbles down the stretch, falls to (14) Texas Tech 75-70.

This one is going to sting for a while.

The Oklahoma State Cowboys travelled to Lubbock, TX. coming off an upset win over No. 4 Oklahoma. They faced a tough task in the 14th-ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders, but for much of the game, looked as if they belonged. A dazzling first half performance wouldn’t lead to a win, however. After leading by as much as 15 in the second half, Oklahoma State fell on the road to No. 14 Texas Tech, 75-70.

The Pokes fell behind early, trailing by a score of 9-2 out of the gate, though they would turn it around in a big way. After falling behind, the Cowboys took a 37-25 lead to halftime. They had the game in control at that point, and even extended their lead to as much as 15. Threes were falling, and the Cowboys were oozing confidence. Without a doubt, this was their best first half performance of the season.

Down the stretch, however, the Pokes slowed down on offense, became lazy with their passes, and were out-hustled by a Tech team that flat out had to have this win. They were also hampered by foul trouble, racking up 29 fouls. By comparison, the Red Raiders were whistled for just 19. In a physical game, that disparity is pretty questionable.

The Red Raiders would claw back, on the coattails of one of the nation’s top defenses. They held Oklahoma State to 33 second half points. On the offensive end, the Red Raiders dropped a staggering 50 points in the second half. They did so behind an offensive effort that has become all too familiar for Oklahoma State. The Pokes gave up another career high to an opposing player, this time in the form o Tech’s Jarrett Culver. He had 25 points, adding to Keenan Evans’ 26 points. That combination proved deadly for Oklahoma State.

This is a gut-wrenching loss for the Cowboys, who desperately needs to steal a road win. Considering they were up 15 in the second half, this was a prime opportunity. It won’t get any easier on the road for Oklahoma State, either. Their next three road games are at Arkansas, Kansas, and West Virginia.

With the loss, the Pokes fall to 13-7 on the season, and 3-5 in the Big 12. They’ll travel to Fayetteville, Ark. this weekend to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks in the annual Big 12/SEC Challenge. That game tips at 5:00 P.M. CT.

FINAL BOX SCORE:

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