
BYU
(-5.5)

Oklahoma State
(+5.5)
Highlights
Summary
STILLWATER, Okla. (Interstat) — Anthony Roy scored 30 points to lead Oklahoma State past BYU 99-92 in a Big 12 men’s basketball game Wednesday night at Gallagher-Iba Arena. The teams were tied at 41 at halftime before the Cowboys pulled away, fueled by a 58-point second half. Roy’s performance, which included four 3-pointers, paced five Oklahoma State players in double figures. BYU’s AJ Dybantsa led all scorers with 36 points and Richie Saunders added 20. Oklahoma State improved to 16-6 overall. BYU, despite shooting 50% from the field, fell to 16-5. The Cowboys capitalized on a significant advantage in free throws, making 22 attempts to BYU’s 13, and forced 16 turnovers while committing only eight.
Extended Summary
STILLWATER, Okla. (Interstat) — In a high-octane Big 12 shootout defined by offensive firepower and critical defensive stands, Oklahoma State outlasted BYU 99-92 on Wednesday night at Gallagher-Iba Arena. The game, which saw both teams eclipse 90 points and shoot over 50% from the field, was ultimately decided by Oklahoma State’s ability to capitalize on BYU’s mistakes and execute in the final minutes. The Cowboys improved to 16-6 overall, while the Cougars fell to 16-5. The contest was a tale of two halves that started as a mirror image. Both teams entered halftime knotted at 41, but the second half exploded into a scoring frenzy. Oklahoma State erupted for 58 points after the break, fueled by a more aggressive defensive approach that generated turnovers and transition opportunities. BYU, despite scoring 51 of its own in the second half, could not keep pace down the stretch. The most important part of the game unfolded in the final five minutes. With Oklahoma State clinging to a narrow lead, the Cowboys forced a series of key stops and converted at the free-throw line to create separation. Anthony Roy, who finished with 30 points, was instrumental in the closing sequence, drawing fouls and hitting clutch free throws. His two free throws with 30 seconds left pushed the Oklahoma State lead to 97-92, effectively sealing the outcome after BYU had trimmed a deficit that was as large as nine points. Roy’s performance was complemented by a balanced Cowboys attack. Jaylen Curry added 18 points, Vyctorius Miller provided a crucial spark off the bench with 14 points, and Parsa Fallah controlled the interior with 13 points and two blocks. Kanye Clary orchestrated the offense with nine assists. BYU was led by a spectacular 36-point effort from AJ Dybantsa. The forward from Brockton, Massachusetts, was efficient and relentless, but received inconsistent support. Richie Saunders scored 20 points and Robert Wright added 15, but the Cougars’ offense was hampered by 16 turnovers, which Oklahoma State converted into 22 points off free throws alone. The Cowboys also dominated the assist battle, 10-5, and recorded 10 steals to BYU’s five. Statistically, the game was an offensive showcase. Oklahoma State shot 54.7% from the field and posted an offensive rating of 125.1 on 79 possessions. BYU was nearly as efficient, shooting 50% with a 117.8 offensive rating. The difference came at the charity stripe, where Oklahoma State attempted 34 free throws, making 22, compared to BYU’s 17 attempts. The result defied pregame projections that heavily favored BYU. The Cougars had been installed as a 5.5-point favorite, and statistical models gave them a 72% probability of victory. The combined score of 191 points sailed over the pregame over/under line of 170.5. Oklahoma State’s victory marks a significant resume boost as it navigates the heart of the Big 12 schedule. The Cowboys travel to face Arizona on Saturday. BYU, which has now lost two of its last three games, must regroup quickly for a home showdown with Houston, also on Saturday.
Preview
STILLWATER, Okla. (Interstat) — Two teams looking to solidify their postseason resumes will meet Wednesday night when BYU visits Oklahoma State in a key Big 12 Conference matchup at Gallagher-Iba Arena. The Cougars (16-4, 5-3 Big 12) enter having dropped two of their last three, including a hard-fought 90-82 loss at then-Kansas on Saturday. BYU’s high-powered offense, which averages 86.2 points per game, will be tested by the Cowboys’ defense on the road. Oklahoma State (15-6, 4-4) is coming off an impressive 81-69 road win at Utah, snapping a two-game skid. The Cowboys have been strong at home, posting an 11-1 record in Stillwater this season. The spotlight will be on a pair of dynamic guards. BYU’s Richie Saunders is playing at an All-Conference level, averaging 22.1 points over his last seven games. He is coming off a career-high 33-point, 10-rebound performance in the loss at Kansas. He will be matched by Oklahoma State’s Anthony Roy, who scored 26 points in the win at Utah. Roy has been the Cowboys’ most consistent scorer, reaching double figures in all but one game this season. This marks the first meeting between the programs as Big 12 foes. BYU holds a narrow 3-2 edge in the all-time series, though the teams have not met since 2011. A win for the Cougars would keep them in the upper tier of the deep Big 12 standings, while the Cowboys seek a signature victory to bolster their NCAA Tournament profile. Both teams face daunting upcoming schedules, making this midweek contest crucial for momentum. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. CST and will be broadcast on ESPN2.