Hailey
Oklahoma State returns to Stillwater for an important Big 12 home game as the Cowboys host Kansas State in a matchup that carries early-season conference weight.
With league standings tightening and every result mattering, both teams enter this contest knowing a win could shift momentum heading deeper into Big 12 play.
The spotlight will be on P.J. Haggerty, who continues to emerge as the driving force for Kansas State’s offense. Oklahoma State, meanwhile, will look to protect home court and use its physical style to control the pace of the game.
Game Overview And Stakes
The game will be played at Gallagher-Iba Arena, one of the most challenging venues for visiting teams in the conference. Oklahoma State comes in with a 13–4 overall record and is searching for consistency after an uneven start in Big 12 play. Kansas State enters at 9–8 overall and is still looking for its first conference victory.
For the Wildcats, this game represents a chance to reset their Big 12 campaign. For the Cowboys, it is an opportunity to build confidence and protect home court against a dangerous scorer-led opponent.
Key Player Focus: P.J. Haggerty
Kansas State’s offensive identity centers on P.J. Haggerty. The junior guard is averaging 22.9 points per game, ranking among the top scorers in the conference. He is coming off a 23-point performance in the Wildcats’ most recent outing, once again proving his ability to score at all three levels.
Haggerty is also contributing as a playmaker, averaging 4.6 assists per game, and his aggressive style puts constant pressure on opposing defenses. Oklahoma State’s defensive game plan will likely revolve around limiting his driving lanes and forcing the ball out of his hands in late-clock situations.
Oklahoma State’s Home-Court Approach
The Oklahoma State Cowboys have been notably strong at home this season, using energy, rebounding, and crowd support to wear down opponents.
Oklahoma State’s frontcourt presence has been a consistent advantage, with the team emphasizing defensive rebounding to eliminate second-chance points.
Ball movement and shot selection will be critical for the Cowboys. When Oklahoma State plays with patience and converts stops into efficient offense, they are difficult to beat in Stillwater.
What Kansas State Must Execute
The Kansas State Wildcats know they cannot rely on scoring alone. While Haggerty provides elite production, Kansas State must also win the turnover battle and improve defensive consistency, especially in transition.
Road games in the Big 12 often hinge on composure. Kansas State will need to withstand momentum swings and make timely shots when Oklahoma State feeds off its home crowd.
Matchup At A Glance
| Category | Kansas State | Oklahoma State |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 9–8 | 13–4 |
| Big 12 Record | 0–4 | 1–3 |
| Leading Scorer | P.J. Haggerty (22.9 PPG) | Balanced scoring |
| Recent Form | Coming off loss | Strong at home |
| Game Location | Road | Home |
Why This Game Matters
This contest is about more than one night in January. A Kansas State win would jump-start its conference season and validate its offensive potential. An Oklahoma State victory would reinforce the Cowboys’ home-court edge and stabilize their Big 12 standing.
Both teams understand that early conference games often shape postseason paths.
Oklahoma State hosting Kansas State sets up a compelling Big 12 showdown defined by contrasting strengths. Kansas State will lean heavily on P.J. Haggerty’s scoring and playmaking, while Oklahoma State aims to impose physicality, rebounding, and home-court control. Whichever team dictates tempo and executes late will likely walk away with a crucial conference win.