Iowa State Basketball: Cyclones Blow Another Lead, Lose to Oklahoma State 78-76

In a bizzare finish that took plenty of time and officials looking at a lot of game film, the end result was another disappointing Cyclones loss on the road. This time it was at Gallagher-Iba Arena, where they haven’t won for 25 straight years and counting.

Jan. 30, 2013; Stillwater, OK, USA; Iowa State Cyclones guard Chris Babb (2) prepares to shoot against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the second half at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Oklahoma State won 78-76. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo J. Adams-USA TODAY Sports

Marcus Smart had the all-around complete game for Oklahoma State (14-5, 4-3), finishing with 21 points, seven assists, six rebounds, and four steals. Overall, the team had nine steals and forced Iowa State (14-6, 4-3) into 17 turnovers. As usual, the Cowboys won the turnover margin, this time by a commanding +9.

Chris Babb finally broke out from the perimeter, making his first five 3-point shots and finished with 19 points and made 7-10 shots from the field. The Cyclones shot fantastic from 3-point range, making 13-24 attempts and made 53.8 percent of their shots from the field overall.

Georges Niang had 16 points and eight rebounds despite collecting four fouls. Ejim also had a couple late in the game to finish with four fouls. Overall, the team had 18 total fouls called on them.

However, Iowa State was unable to get to the line again tonight often, making 7-10 from the charity stripe.

Oklahoma State did benefit from a couple home calls late in the game, including Melvin Ejim’s fourth foul, but there were simply too many turnovers for the Cyclones to overcome. Credit goes to Korie Lucious, who won the assist-to-turnover ratio and lead the team with seven assists and committed just three turnovers. He was more of a facilitator tonight, only scoring five points.

Anytime the Cyclones tried to pull away, the Cowboys would respond, specifically Phil Forte who made three 3-point shots and finished with 17 points off the bench.

Iowa State will try to rebound at home once again when they take on the Baylor Bears in a primetime game at Hilton Coliseum. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CT and the game will be televised on ESPN2.

Brian Spaen is the lead editor of Clones Confidential. Get more Cyclones coverage by following us on Twitter.