Jan 14, 2019; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys forward Cameron McGriff (12) free throw during the second half against the Baylor Bears at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports
Chris Williams: Two teams, opposite directions. It think it is very possible that we look back at the Baylor and Kansas State games as a turning point for this Iowa State team. Oklahoma State is going to have a hard time on Saturday in Hilton.
Iowa State 80, Oklahoma State 66
Jared Stansbury: I have a hard time believing a shorthanded Oklahoma State team is going to be able to hang around for long in Hilton Coliseum. I mean, they literally had to hold walk-on tryouts this week just in order to have enough guys for practice. Hopefully, Lindell Wigginton can start to get his shot back on track and we can see the offense get back to its first-half versus Texas Tech level because a Big Monday test looms in Lawrence.
Iowa State 83, Oklahoma State 68
Brent Blum: Iowa State seemingly getting its swagger back in Lubbock plus knowing they can’t take Hilton for granted=time to enjoy a stress free second half with Clone Cones and those roasted nut things.
Iowa State 84 Oklahoma State 71
Kirk Haaland: The Cowboys have been a competitive team with some decent showings this year, but they are currently being forced to navigate some serious attrition. The saving grace is that other than Michael Weathers, none of the attrition has been from their best performers. They’re especially thin on the front line which forces them into small ball and probably makes them a better matchup for Iowa State.
However, they do still have guys that can hit shots from outside. Thomas Dziagwa (52-116, 45%), Lindy Waters (35-78, 45%), Curtis Jones (15-41, 36%) in just eight games, and Cam McGriff (23-68, 34%) are all capable threats and as a team they’re hitting on 39 percent of attempts while attempting at the 135th highest rate. If Iowa State doesn’t give up open looks from the perimeter and plays how they should offensively while making a few shots, they will be fine.
Iowa State 80, Oklahoma State 65
Kevin Fitzpatrick: Have no fear – after being shut out of the basketball season predictions columns up to this point, I am finally making my debut. Thanks to my main man Jared for hooking me up with appropriate privileges behind the scenes. All three of you who were concerned about my exclusion can now rest easy.
Thankfully, this should be one of the easiest predictions all year. Oklahoma State’s program has suffered quite a bit of attrition and the state of their roster is starting to remind me of Fred Hoiberg’s first season in Ames where he had to poach two football players from Paul Rhoads just to be able to practice appropriately.
Is there a small chance the Cyclones come out sluggish as they look ahead to a date with KU on Big Monday? Yep. But I still think they’ll come away with a win, even if it’s not pretty.
Iowa State 85, Oklahoma State 72
Rob Gray: Iowa State’s huge rebound win Wednesday at No. 8 Texas Tech reaffirmed what we all know (despite the 0-2 week that proceeded it: this team is special and capable of contending for a conference title. That’s true even as Lindell Wigginton has struggled shooting the basketball since coming back from injury — and Talen Horton-Tucker’s also in a shoting funk. I expect them to “get well” against the shorthanded Cowboys as the Cyclones’ wrap up a 2-0 week in advance of tough matchups at Kansas and Ole Miss.
Iowa State 81, Oklahoma State 69
