Oklahoma State uses strong first half to upset No. 19 BYU

NS_headshot_clearbackgroundby:Nick Schultz•02/17/24•

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Oklahoma State came out firing on Saturday against No. 19 BYU and took a commanding lead into halftime. While the Cougars tried to make a run in the second half, it wasn’t enough as the Cowboys came away with the upset victory.

Oklahoma State shot 59.6% from the field, including 50% from three-point territory, to defeat BYU 93-83 at Gallagher-Iba Arena. That all started from a 49-point outburst in the first half, including an 8-of-14 showing from three-point distance in the first 20 minutes.

BYU tried to make a comeback in the second half and got within single digits multiple times down the stretch, but it wasn’t enough. Oklahoma State came away with the victory – its third in Big 12 play this season – and its first win over an AP-ranked team in just over a year. The Cowboys’ last top-25 victory came on Feb. 11, 2023 when they defeated Iowa State.

All five Oklahoma State starters hit double figure scoring, led by Jamyron Keller’s 22 points and Brandon Garrison’s 21. It marked the Cowboys’ most points in a game since Nov. 24 when they put up 92 points against Houston Christian.

While Oklahoma State had a strong first half, BYU struggled. The Cougars shot 39.4% from the field and went just 2-for-16 from downtown to trail 49-34 at the break. The second half was better, but Oklahoma State stayed just hot enough to keep its distance.

BYU entered Saturday with a strong resume, checking in at No. 9 in the NET rankings and No. 14 in KenPom. The Cougars now fall to 6-6 in conference play in a loaded Big 12 after bringing a 12-1 record into league action. They’ll now look to bounce back against Baylor on Tuesday as they return home.

As for Oklahoma State, it hasn’t been the easiest of seasons for Mike Boynton’s group. The Cowboys started with an 0-6 record against Big 12 opponents before getting their first win against West Virginia on Jan. 27. Since that slow start, OK State is now 3-3 over its last six games heading into Wednesday’s game against another conference newcomer in Cincinnati.

It’s looking like another banner year for the Big 12. Entering Saturday, the conference led KenPom in efficiency and had sizable lead over the Big East, which sits in second place. In On3’s latest Bracketology, James Fletcher III projected the Big 12 to get 10 bids, headlined by Houston as a No. 1 seed in the South Region. BYU came in as a No. 4 seed in the West Region.