BYU Basketball Hosts Oklahoma State in Crucial Big 12 Showdown

PROVO, Utah – BYU basketball will host the Oklahoma State Cowboys at the Marriott Center on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, in a pivotal Big 12 Conference matchup. Both teams enter the game with identical 1-3 records in conference play, seeking to break their recent struggles. BYU holds a 10-5 overall record, while Oklahoma State stands at 9-6.

This marks the 10th meeting between the two programs, with BYU leading the all-time series 5-4. The Cougars are looking to snap a three-game losing streak, while the Cowboys aim to rebound from a tough road stretch in the Wasatch Front. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+, with Ted Emrich and Tim Welsh providing commentary. Pregame radio coverage begins at 6 p.m. on KSL NewsRadio (102.7 FM, 1160 AM).

BYU, led by first-year head coach Kevin Young, boasts a strong home record of 8-1. The Cougars are ranked 48th in the NET rankings, 47th in KenPom, and 34th in the Basketball Power Index (BPI). Sophomore Richie Saunders leads the team in scoring, averaging 13.9 points per game. BYU’s offense averages 80.5 points per game, while their defense allows 66.5.

Oklahoma State, under first-year head coach Steve Lutz, has struggled on the road with a 2-2 record. The Cowboys are ranked 115th in the NET, 110th in KenPom, and 106th in BPI. Their offense averages 73.7 points per game, with Marchelus Avery and Abou Ousmane sharing the scoring lead at 12.6 points per game.

BYU’s recent loss to TCU, 71-67, highlighted Saunders’ standout performance with 26 points and six rebounds. Oklahoma State, meanwhile, fell to Utah 83-62 despite strong showings from Bryce Thompson (16 points) and Avery (13 points). The Cowboys have excelled on the offensive glass, recording at least 11 offensive rebounds in seven consecutive games.

Experts favor BYU by 13 points, with the over/under set at 147.5. The Cougars’ shooting efficiency (47.7% field goal percentage) contrasts sharply with Oklahoma State’s 42%, potentially giving BYU a significant edge.