Oklahoma State Cowboys Face Cincinnati Bearcats in Key Road Contest
The Oklahoma State Cowboys are hitting the road as they prepare to face the Cincinnati Bearcats on Saturday afternoon. This game marks the beginning of OSU’s final stretch of away games, and comes on the heels of a thrilling overtime victory against West Virginia. While a postseason berth may be a long shot, the Cowboys are determined to finish the regular season strong, and a win against Cincinnati would be a significant step in that direction.
Recent Form and What’s at Stake
Oklahoma State enters the game buoyed by their recent overtime win, showcasing resilience and clutch performance. Cincinnati, however, is coming off a tough loss to No. 16 Texas Tech, but they’ve proven they can upset ranked opponents, notably their recent victory over No. 14 Kansas. For Oklahoma State, the path to the postseason likely hinges on an automatic bid through the Big 12 Tournament, making every remaining game crucial for building momentum.
Three Keys to a Cowboy Victory
1. Consistent Three-Point Shooting
In their last outing, the Cowboys found success from beyond the arc, shooting an impressive 43%. This sharpshooting was a key factor in their win, even without significant contributions from Anthony Roy. However, Oklahoma State’s three-point shooting can be inconsistent. A repeat performance from deep will be vital against Cincinnati. Contrast this with their previous game against Colorado, where they struggled, shooting a dismal 22% from three, ultimately leading to a loss. Maintaining this hot streak is paramount.
2. Rebounding and Frontcourt Control
This game marks Oklahoma State’s first without Parsa Fallah, their leading rebounder and a key presence in the frontcourt. Filling this void quickly is essential. The Cowboys have historically struggled with allowing offensive rebounds, which often lead to second-chance points for their opponents. Controlling the boards and limiting Cincinnati’s opportunities for second shots will be a major challenge and a critical factor in the outcome. NCAA Basketball provides comprehensive stats and analysis on rebounding trends.
3. Play with Freedom and Aggression
With their postseason hopes hanging by a thread, Oklahoma State needs to play with nothing to lose. This isn’t a game that will definitively make or break their tournament chances, so they should focus on building momentum and playing their style of basketball. Running the floor, taking aggressive shots, and playing with confidence are key. The Cowboys need to embrace a fearless approach and aim for another road win.
Looking Ahead
A win against Cincinnati could provide a significant boost in confidence heading into the Big 12 Tournament. The Cowboys need to capitalize on this opportunity to build momentum and showcase their potential. This game is a chance to make a statement and finish the regular season on a high note.
Grayson is majoring in sports media at Oklahoma State University. He’s covered various sports in the states since 2024.
