In what was supposed to be a routine preseason exhibition, Oklahoma State sent an early message that it might be a team worth watching this season.
The Cowboys knocked off powerhouse Auburn 97–95 in overtime, using a balanced offensive attack and gritty defensive effort to take down one of college basketball’s elite programs. Despite the “exhibition” label, the victory feels anything but meaningless for a team trying to rebuild momentum under second-year head coach Steve Lutz.
A Win That Means More Than It Might Seem
Sure, it won’t count in the official win-loss column, but Oklahoma State’s performance against an Auburn team that reached last year’s Final Four and finished the 2024–25 season with a 32–6 record is no small feat. The Tigers were the No. 1 overall seed in last year’s NCAA Tournament and entered this season as a favorite in the SEC once again, even with new coach Steve Pearl and a few roster changes due to the NBA Draft and graduation.
Auburn’s recent tournament resume speaks volumes. The Tigers ran through the South Region last March, defeating Alabama State, Creighton, Michigan, and Michigan State before falling in the Final Four. That’s the caliber of team Oklahoma State just beat, even if it’s technically preseason.
For Lutz and the Cowboys, this win is more than just a moral victory. It’s a potential turning point.
Big-Time Performances in Big Moments
Isaiah Coleman and Anthony Roy led the charge offensively, each pouring in 28 points to pace the Cowboys. Roy, in his sixth year, added 12 rebounds to post his first double-double as a Cowboy, shooting 5-of-10 from beyond the arc and giving OSU the kind of veteran presence every successful team needs.
Jaylen Curry added 23 points on an efficient 8-for-14 shooting night, and none were bigger than his game-winning layup with just eight seconds remaining in overtime. On the other end, Auburn’s attempt at a game-tying jumper came up short as time expired.
The Cowboys dominated the paint, outscoring the Tigers 48–34 inside, and shot a strong 48% from the field overall. OSU also showed toughness on the glass, pulling down 52 rebounds, and capitalized at the free-throw line, going 21-of-29 from the stripe.
A Statement for a Program Needing One
Oklahoma State is a program that’s been searching for consistency and direction in recent years. With Lutz now entering his second season at the helm, the pieces may finally be starting to click. The Cowboys have now won 37 consecutive preseason exhibition games a streak that dates back to 2000 but this one stands out from the rest.
Beating a team of Auburn’s caliber, even in October, is the kind of result that can inject belief into a locker room and light a fire early in the season. The Cowboys didn’t just hang around, they out-executed one of the sport’s most respected teams down the stretch.
For a team with a new identity and a desire to prove itself in a deep Big 12 conference, this win is a reminder that anything is possible with the right energy, balance, and buy-in.
As the regular season approaches, Oklahoma State might not be flying under the radar for long.