Roy's Renaissance: Anthony Roy's 24 Points Lead Oklahoma State Upset Over Colorado
Roy's Renaissance: Anthony Roy's 24 Points Lead Oklahoma State Upset Over Colorado
In a late-night battle at the T-Mobile Center, Oklahoma State delivered the biggest surprise of the Big 12 Tournament's opening day. Behind a masterful 24-point performance from senior guard Anthony Roy, the No. 14 seed Cowboys stunned No. 11 seed Colorado 92-83. The victory not only avenged a February loss to the Buffaloes but also kept Oklahoma State’s slim postseason hopes alive as they prepare to face TCU on Wednesday night.
Roy was the undisputed catalyst for the Cowboys, scoring 17 of his 24 points in a dominant second half. Known as one of the nation's most prolific three-point shooters, he shot 2-for-3 from deep and was a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line. His burst to start the second half—where he scored six of the team's first seven points—turned a one-point halftime lead into a cushion that Colorado simply couldn't erase. For Roy, who transferred from Green Bay where he was the NCAA's leading scorer before an injury, this game served as a definitive statement of his health and impact at the high-major level.
Cowboys Dominate the Trenches
While Roy provided the perimeter fireworks, Christian Coleman owned the paint. Coleman recorded a massive double-double with 17 points and a season-high 14 rebounds, leading an Oklahoma State effort that outrebounded Colorado 44-34. This physicality was especially impressive given that the Cowboys were playing without big men Parsa Fallah and Andrija Vukovic due to injuries. The 92 points scored by Oklahoma State was a program record for a Big 12 Tournament game, showcasing an offensive rhythm that was missing for much of the regular season.
Sophomore guard Jaylen Curry also played a vital role, contributing 15 points and four assists. The Cowboys' backcourt depth was further bolstered by Vyctorius Miller, whose five consecutive free throws in the final six minutes helped seal the victory. Despite shooting only 45% from the field, Oklahoma State’s aggressive play led to 29 points from the free-throw line, a stark contrast to Colorado's nine.
What's Next for the Cowboys
Oklahoma State (19-13, 6-12 Big 12) now enters a critical matchup against No. 6 seed TCU. The Cowboys have shown they can compete with the best in the conference when Roy and Curry are in sync, and their recent performance on the glass suggests they have found a physical identity at the right time. For head coach Steve Lutz, the focus will be on maintaining this intensity against a Horned Frogs team that will offer a much stiffer defensive challenge.
Colorado (17-15), meanwhile, sees its NCAA Tournament hopes likely evaporate. Despite 22 points from Bangot Dak and a strong effort from Barrington Hargress, the Buffaloes could not stop Oklahoma State's transition game or contain Roy's scoring bursts. As the Big 12 Tournament continues, all eyes in Stillwater will be on whether Anthony Roy can replicate this heroics to pull off another March miracle.
