Lutz, Cowboys seek defensive carryover in road test against No. 3 Iowa State

Steve Lutz has often reiterated his stance on the Big 12’s stronghold over college basketball. 

Days ahead of Oklahoma State’s clash at No. 3 Iowa State at 3 p.m. on Saturday at Hilton Coliseum, the Cowboys’ second-year coach reverted to old talking points. About the depth, the dominance and sheer level of talent within a conference which Lutz has unapologetically stated to be the best in college basketball. 

“The Big 12 is the best league in the country this year, and it’s not even close,” Lutz said. “...We’re going to have our work cut out for us the rest of the way.”

The Cowboys (13-2, 1-1 Big 12) clinched a resume-boosting 87-76 win against No. 25 UCF on Tuesday at Gallagher-Iba Arena. But now, another opportunity awaits against the Cyclones (15-0, 2-0 Big 12). And it won’t come without a significant encumbrance.

The Cyclones are one of six undefeated teams heading into Saturday. And that isn’t a product of one star player or efficiency in a specific area. But instead, as Lutz noted, the result of a complete, talent-filled roster.

Defense has been ISU’s bread and butter throughout fifth-year coach TJ Otzelberger’s tenure. That hasn’t changed this season, as opponents have been held to just 62.4 points per game. The offense, which averages a Big 12-third-best 88.3 points per game, has complemented that well. 

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“It’s not like (Iowa State is not) elite for a reason,” Lutz said. “They’ve got fantastic players, they’re well coached, but they also have to put their shoes on every single day that we do and pull their socks up every day that we do. So, we’ve got to go in there with the mindset that we’re having an opportunity to compete against one of the best teams in the country. Those teams that are of that stature, they’re not just going to give you the game. We’ve got to have an aggressive mindset with what we do.

“The same very reasons that we won against Central Florida, we better expound upon that against Iowa State. Because they’re just really good.”

OSU’s offense has been its strong suit throughout the season, guiding the Cowboys to their best nonconference finish since the 2013-14 season. But it didn’t come without recurrent defensive woes. 

Tuesday’s win against UCF showcased defensive improvements, which Lutz said he hopes his team carries into Saturday. OSU has shown it has enough scorers and high-caliber athletes to compete in a track meet with prominent teams. But the defense has prevented it from winning such games.

The lone blemish on OSU's resume is a lack of Quad 1 wins. The Cowboys can clinch that against ISU, but building upon their defensive outing against UCF will be vital, Lutz said.

And ISU's trio of Tamin Lipsey, Joshua Jefferson and Milan Momcilovic won’t make attaining that any easier.

“I think it's just all about learning,” OSU guard Anthony Roy said. “I think our coach has prepared us well for the game. Now, we’ve just got to go out there and do what we’re supposed to do."

Ahmed cementing prominent role as freshman

One of the emerging bright spots for the Cowboys thus far has been freshman center Ben Ahmed.

Lutz flipped Ahmed, a former four-star recruit in the 2025 class, from Miami after former Hurricanes’ coach Jim Larrañaga retired midseason last year. As is the case with most first-year prospects, Lutz said he was “unsure” of how Ahmed’s freshman campaign would transpire — his workload, playing time and role within the team.

Ahmed missed OSU’s 10 games of the season recovering from preseason foot surgery. But now, Lutz and Co. are reaping their rewards from him being in the rotation.

“I think Ben’s doing a good job,” OSU coach Steve Lutz said. “Don’t want to put too much weight on his shoulders. He’s still a freshman.

“So let’s not over blow it, but I think he’s got a bright future and I’m glad he’s on our team.”

Ahmed’s 6-foot-10, 275-pound stature has benefitted OSU quicker than Lutz said he imagined it would. Ahmed played a season-high 17 minutes in OSU’s Jan. 3 loss at Texas Tech. He started his first game of the season three days later, guiding the Cowboys to a pivotal upset win.

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As Ahmed continues to grow and learn alongside center Parsa Fallah, his role will only enhance moving forward. But for now, he said he’s just thankful to be back on the court. 

“Just playing with a chip on my shoulder,” Ahmed said, when asked what fuels his high-energy style of play. “Not a lot of people from where I’m from are right here at this moment. So every time I just step on the floor, it’s just like a privilege to be here.

“So, I just can’t waste the opportunity.”

Clary gaining confidence as OSU’s starting point guard

Lutz hasn’t shied away from the dynamic point guard Kanye Clary provides the Cowboys with.

His quickness, play-making abilities and tendencies to single handedly facilitate games. All of which were on display in OSU’s win against UCF.

But most notably, his shooting efficiency has improved over the season’s course. In turn, Clary’s shoot totals have increased, too. Specifically from beyond the arc.

Through his first 11 appearances, Clary attempted more than four 3-point shots only once. Over his past two games, he’s attempted a combined 11, which Lutz credited to confidence. 

But it has come in ebbs and flows, Lutz said. 

“He took a couple (3s) against Texas Tech that were maybe ill-advised,” he said. “And I (think) he wishes he could have those back. We all wish he could have those back.”

UCF, of course, was a polar-opposite. Clary shot 3-for-6 from deep, showcasing his potential as a shooter. And if that element of his game further evolves, the Cowboys might have a sound prospect manning their offense come postseason play.  

“(Against UCF) I thought he did a good job of taking advantage of what the game presented to him,” he said. “...If he continues to do that, he’s gonna be really good for us.”