West Virginia’s Cold Finish Results in 70-66 Loss at Oklahoma State

Stillwater, Okla. – Despite a valiant effort, the West Virginia Mountaineers fell short in their pursuit of their first away victory this season, succumbing to a 70-66 defeat against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Gallagher-Iba Arena on Saturday afternoon. The Mountaineers (7-12, 2-5 Big 12) endured a frigid shooting spell in the final three minutes of the game, failing to convert their last six shots from the field, while the Cowboys (9-11, 1-6) rallied with an 8-2 run to secure their first Big 12 conference victory.

First Half: A Close Battle

The Mountaineers and Cowboys engaged in a tightly contested first half, with neither team able to establish a significant lead. Oklahoma State briefly held a 16-11 advantage before West Virginia responded with a 13-0 run, fueled by Quinn Slazinski’s pair of 3-pointers, to seize a 27-21 lead.

The Cowboys countered with a 7-2 spurt to trail by just one point at the break, 33-32. WVU’s bench players contributed significantly in the first half, outscoring Oklahoma State’s bench 18-9.

Second Half: Trading Blows

The second half commenced with consecutive 3-pointers from Kerr Kriisa, propelling the Mountaineers to a 39-36 lead. However, the Cowboys responded with an 11-3 run, capped by a Jarius Hicklen triple, to regain the advantage at 43-39.

Noah Farrakhan sparked a West Virginia resurgence, scoring six consecutive points and assisting Akok Akok for a basket, giving the Mountaineers a 47-46 edge. Slazinski then drained his third 3-pointer of the game to extend WVU’s lead to 50-46.

Kriisa connected on his fifth and sixth triples, respectively, to keep the Mountaineers ahead by six points at 56-50. Kriisa displayed exceptional accuracy from beyond the arc, making his first six attempts from deep.

Down the Stretch: Oklahoma State’s Rally

Slazinski’s fourth 3-pointer of the game with just over five minutes remaining extended West Virginia’s lead to a game-high seven points at 61-54. However, Oklahoma State responded with a 5-0 run to trail by just two points at the final media timeout.

Bryce Thompson’s 3-pointer with 3:20 left in regulation gave the Cowboys a 62-61 lead, but Pat Suemnick answered with a basket on a goaltending call, putting the Mountaineers back in front 63-62.

After trading free throws, consecutive free throws from Akok gave West Virginia a 66-64 advantage with just over a minute remaining.

Cold Finish Seals West Virginia’s Fate

Unfortunately, the Mountaineers went cold from the field down the stretch, missing their final six shots, while Oklahoma State converted four free throws to secure the 70-66 victory.

Brandon Garrison led the Cowboys with 20 points, while Javon Small added 15 points and 12 rebounds. John-Michael Wright contributed 10 points for Oklahoma State. The Cowboys held a significant advantage at the free-throw line, converting 20 free throws compared to West Virginia’s 8.

RaeQuan Battle, West Virginia’s leading scorer, was held to just two points on 1-of-6 shooting from the field.

The Mountaineers’ road struggles continued, as they fell to 0-4 in true road games and 0-8 in games played away from Morgantown.

Upcoming Schedule

Following back-to-back road games, the Mountaineers will return to the Coliseum for a pair of home contests next week. They will welcome Big 12 newcomers Cincinnati on Wednesday and BYU next Saturday.

Don’t miss the Mountaineers’ chance to bounce back at home! Secure your tickets now for the upcoming games at the Coliseum.