Iowa State never found its groove, and that prevented it from moving past Oklahoma on Saturday, March 2, in the team’s search for a bounce-back victory. 

The Cyclones (19-10, 9-7 Big 12) were 4-1 following losses in Big 12 play entering the game with the Sooners (19-9, 10-6). In the battle between the two fourth-place Big 12 teams, Oklahoma came out on top the second time around, beating Iowa State 86-69.

In the loss, Iowa State went 11-of-31 from beyond the arc and was hurt especially by Oklahoma free throws. The Sooners went to the line 34 times in the game and made all 34 free throws compared to the Cyclones’ 14-of-22 showing from the line.  

Iowa State was out-rebounded 33-21 by Oklahoma, but it was also out-rebounded in Ames in early February. In that game the Cyclones were able to beat the Sooners 83-64.

Tyrus McGee scored 22 points off the bench for Iowa State, making six 3-pointers for the second consecutive game. Bubu Palo scored a season-high 12 points off the bench for the Cyclones. 

The loss leaves Iowa State with two more chances to build its NCAA tournament resume before the Big 12 tournament. The Cyclones face No. 15 Oklahoma State on Wednesday, March 6,  at Hilton Coliseum and then travel to face West Virginia on the road Saturday, March 9. 

Saturday’s game might not have been the last meeting between Iowa State and Oklahoma. If the Big 12 standings hold, the two teams would meet again in the first round of the Big 12 tournament as the No. 4 and No. 5 seeds.