Both teams came in with 3-game conference losing streaks. Both in desperate need of a win with only 1 conference win at this point. Ultimately it was the team that could do the basic thing -- make free throws -- that won the game. Texas A&M snapped their losing streak and won on the road in the Big 12, 59-56.
The Aggies are a slow tempo, offensively efficient team. They keep it slow and look to find the best shot available. The last few games, their slow tempo has cost them when the shots haven't hit. Against the Cowboys, they did control the tempo, and shot over 50% (57% eFG%). They did, however, struggle, to hold onto the ball. They were -8 in turnovers, and that allowed Oklahoma to keep the game tight despite shooting much worse (50% eFG%). Oklahoma State had more opportunities to score.
Ultimately what did Oklahoma State in was an inability to make free throws. OK St. was only 5-12 on free throws while A&M hit 10-13. Really, it was remarkable that the Cowboys were so close to winning. They got a total of 13 points from Terrel Harris, Marcus Dove and Byron Eaton. Those 3 have been the Cowboys' 2nd, 3d and 4th leading scorers for over 31 points per game.
Oklahoma State hasn't been able to win on the road for over two seasons. Now they are starting to struggle at home as they fall to 1-4 in the Big 12. Sean Sutton is going to start feeling heat.
