Steve Lutz Raises Defensive Concerns as Oklahoma State’s 57-Game Home Exhibition Win Streak Ends

Oklahoma State’s first men’s basketball exhibition of the season brought an end to a decades-long winning streak and renewed concerns about the Cowboys’ defensive performance.

New Mexico defeated Oklahoma State 99-89 on Sunday at Gallagher-Iba Arena, snapping the Cowboys’ 57-game home exhibition winning streak and handing the program its first such loss since Nov. 22, 1988, against the Soviet National Team.

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But for head coach Steve Lutz, the most troubling aspect wasn’t necessarily the result. It was the defensive performance.

Lutz described the Cowboys’ defense as inexcusable and acknowledged that the same issues that plagued Oklahoma State last season remain a concern.

“We’ve talked ad nauseam about last year’s difficulties defensively and if we didn’t fix those that we weren’t able to get where we wanted this year,” Lutz said following the loss.

Those concerns were evident throughout a contest that featured 63 personal fouls, 82 free-throw attempts and 27 combined turnovers.

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New Mexico shot 49.1% from the field, connected on nine 3-pointers and scored 99 points despite Oklahoma State holding a 45-35 rebounding advantage.

The Cowboys committed 33 personal fouls, including 22 in the second half, allowing the Lobos to capitalize at the free-throw line.

New Mexico made 36 of 48 free throws, including 29 of 35 after halftime, while Oklahoma State converted 26 of 34.

Despite the disappointing defensive performance, freshman Anthony Felesi provided an encouraging individual showing, leading five Cowboys in double figures with 18 points on 8-of-13 shooting.

Junior center Julius Halaifonua added 16 points, while Luka Bogavac and Benjamin Ahmed scored 13 apiece.

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However, the Cowboys had no answer for Mountain West preseason player of the year Jake Hall, who scored 31 points and connected on six 3-pointers to lead New Mexico.

New Mexico Takes Control After Halftime

Oklahoma State trailed 42-38 at halftime but came out aggressively to begin the second…

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Publish date : 2026-10-12 15:43:00

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