Oklahoma State’s basketball team faced a tough defeat on Tuesday against Baylor, falling short in a come-from-behind effort with a final score that saw them lose by 15 points. This loss leaves the Cowboys with a disappointing record of 1-3 in Big 12 play. Head coach Steve Lutz expressed his frustrations with the team’s performance during the postgame press conference, drawing comparisons to an AAU game.
Lutz emphasized the importance of playing “with intent” rather than in a careless manner. He highlighted that the level of play in college basketball, especially within a highly competitive league, necessitates a more purposeful approach. “You can’t play the game of basketball… like it’s an AAU game,” Lutz stated. “You have to be intentional about what you’re doing.” He pointed out crucial moments where his team fell short of executing their plays effectively, particularly during pivotal stretches in the second half.
The Cowboys managed to narrow the Baylor lead to 10 points near the eight-minute mark of the second half, but poor decision-making proved costly. Lutz remarked on their struggles: “We come out of a timeout, we don’t execute, we shoot a bad shot. In college basketball, you cannot win until you stop losing.” These moments of missed opportunities and turnovers particularly frustrate coaches during crucial game situations.
Looking ahead, Lutz had the opportunity to work with his team in practice after the Baylor loss, as they prepare for another home game against Kansas State on Saturday. Both teams are facing difficulties early in Big 12 play, adding pressure for Oklahoma State to secure their second win while Kansas State seeks to end their winless streak.
This matchup promises to be vital for both programs as they aim to find their footing in a competitive landscape. With some focused practice and an emphasis on intentional play, Oklahoma State could turn things around and capture a much-needed victory.