Oklahoma

Does Steve Lutz Need to Shorten Oklahoma State’s Rotation?

Published

11 months ago

January 17, 2025

Does Steve Lutz Need to Shorten Oklahoma State’s Rotation?

Oklahoma State’s depth was a strength in nonconference play, but its lack of star power is beginning to cause problems.

Entering the 2024-25 season, Steve Lutz had many directions to go when it came to the starting lineup. With a roster built almost entirely through the transfer portal with veteran players from small schools and role players from power conference teams, OSU’s rotation was destined to be deep.

However, the lack of players sticking out throughout nonconference play has left the Cowboys in a tricky spot.

There is also a stark difference between the roster makeups of OSU’s basketball teams. While the Cowboys have had trouble finding their top players, the women’s team has clear-cut stars. Stailee Heard, Anna Gret Asi and Micah Gray have been the top players for the Cowgirls throughout the year, and Jacie Hoyt’s rotation reflects that. Joined by Alexia Smith, the Cowgirls have four players averaging at least 28 minutes in conference play, including 33.2 minutes a night from Heard.

To find consistent success, Lutz might need to take inspiration from his colleague who also patrols the sidelines in Gallagher-Iba Arena. While the women’s team has four players averaging 28 minutes per game, the men have zero who hit that mark.

Abou Ousmane and Arturo Dean lead the Cowboys in minutes per game in conference play at 26.8. They are two of six Cowboys to hit at least 20 minutes a night in conference play, joined by Khalil Brantley, Marchelus Avery, Bryce Thompson and Jamyron Keller. Meanwhile, OSU’s seventh-highest minutes-getter is Robert Jennings at 18.2, and he has started every game for the Cowboys in Big 12 play.

Although there are six players hitting the 20-minute-per-game mark plus a starter hitting 18 minutes, OSU has to cut its rotation and find its top players. While it is not always an easy task, there are three players who have stood out for the Cowboys and should probably be hitting or nearing 30 minutes per game.

Ousmane has been OSU’s only double-digit scorer in Big 12 play. Avery and Thompson have neared that mark and are typically solid scoring options. That leaves the other two spots around them to rotate through with guys who should still be clearly at the top of the rotation. With Dean, Keller, Brantley and Jennings making up the next four of the rotation, OSU lineups should have some consistency.

Perhaps OSU’s top players aren’t good enough to play 30 minutes a night and find success, but the Cowboys haven’t found much success with a large rotation and need to figure something out before it’s too late.

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Oklahoma

Christian Coleman’s double-double leads Oklahoma State to win over Kansas City

Published

3 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Press Room

Christian Coleman’s double-double leads Oklahoma State to win over Kansas City

STILLWATER, Okla. — Christian Coleman tallied a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double as Oklahoma State held off Kansas City 91-79 on Thursday night.

Coleman shot 8 of 12 from the field and controlled the paint as the Cowboys improved to 10-1 and stayed unbeaten at home. Oklahoma State shot 58% overall, setting the tone early by opening the game on a 14-4 run before Kansas City settled in offensively.

Oklahoma State led 48-44 at halftime, but the margin remained slim well into the second half as the Roos continued to answer runs.

Kansas City briefly moved in front midway through the half, but Oklahoma State responded with a steady stretch fueled by Coleman and Anthony Roy. The Cowboys regained control with a three-point play by Coleman and pushed the lead to eight with just over seven minutes remaining, then closed the game at the line.

Roy finished with 18 points, including several baskets late, while Vyctorius Miller added 13 points and three assists. Andrija Vukovic scored 11, and Oklahoma State finished with a 41-29 rebounding edge.

Karmello Branch led the Roos with 18 points, Jayson Petty added 16 and Kasheem Grady II scored 14. Kansas City shot 37% from the field, went 11 of 30 from 3-point range and made 18 of 22 free throws, but could not match Oklahoma State’s efficiency inside late.

Kansas City closed its nonconference road schedule at 2-11.

Up Next

Oklahoma State hosts Cal State Fullerton on Sunday.

Kansas City returns home to face Austin Peay on Sunday.

Find more college sports coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.

Find more Oklahoma State coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.

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Oklahoma

Oklahoma AG & 21 other state attorneys general sue Uber over unfair subscription services

Published

15 hours ago

December 18, 2025

Press Room

Oklahoma AG & 21 other state attorneys general sue Uber over unfair subscription services

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond is taking action against Uber Technologies LLC and Uber USA LLC after alleging the use of deceptive and unfair practices in selling subscription services.

According to the Drummond office, the lawsuit against Uber Technologies LLC and Uber USA LLC seeks to uncover an alleged variety of unfair operations in selling Uber One subscription services.

On Monday, Drummond, alongside a coalition of 21 other state attorneys general, joined the lawsuit filed initially by the Federal Trade Commission.

Drummond says the lawsuit alleges the following:

Uber is accused of improperly using negative option marketing tactics when it offered free trial subscriptions – a practice that automatically charges consumers if they do not cancel a free trial.
Uber allegedly misled consumers about the amounts they could save when subscribing to Uber One and made it extraordinarily difficult for consumers to cancel once enrolled.
Uber is also accused of charging consumers before their billing date, including users whose free trial had not yet ended.

“Oklahoma law prohibits deceptive trade practices and I will always fight to hold accountable any company who breaks the law,” Drummond said. “Unless Uber is stopped in court, they are likely to continue cheating and harming hardworking Oklahomans.”

The AG’s office says the lawsuit seeks restitution, penalties, costs, and an injunction against Uber for alleged violations of Oklahoma’s Consumer Protection Act and the U.S. Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act.

The lawsuit is currently scheduled for trial on February 2027, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

Here is the state coalition list; in addition to Oklahoma, it includes Maryland, Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin, as well as the District Attorney for Alameda County in California.

Click complaint to read the lawsuit.

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Oklahoma

Oklahoma Running Back Upgraded on Second College Football Playoff Availability Report

Published

1 day ago

December 18, 2025

Press Room

Oklahoma Running Back Upgraded on Second College Football Playoff Availability Report

Oklahoma running back Jovantae Barnes was upgraded on the second College Football Playoff availability report of the week.

Barnes appeared on Tuesday’s report as probable, but he was left off Wednesday’s report, meaning he will be available for Friday’s contest against Alabama.

Barnes appeared in four games during the regular season, carrying the ball 19 times for 45 yards and a touchdown. He also caught one pass for 16 yards.

The senior running back was able to redshirt by only playing in four games. Postseason games, including the College Football Playoff, do not count against eligibility, so Barnes will be able to maintain eligibility in 2026 and still be able to take the field for the Sooners in the CFP.

Oklahoma’s main injury concern, center Jake Maikkula, continues to linger.

Maikkula was listed as questionable on the report for the second straight day.

Maikkula missed OU’s regular-season finale against LSU due to what Brent Venables labeled as an “infection”. He was fully suited up during a brief 15-minute practice viewing window on Monday, but he was working off to the side instead of with Oklahoma’s starting offensive line group.