Oklahoma
Five Thoughts on Oklahoma State’s 61-59 Loss to North Texas
RECAP
PHOTOS
BOX SCORE
STILLWATER — Year 1 of the Steve Lutz era of Oklahoma State basketball has ended.
Oklahoma State lost to North Texas 61-59 on Tuesday night in the quarterfinal round of the NIT. Here are five thoughts on the game.
1. It Was Ugly
OSU had 19 turnovers and was 9-for-16 from the free-throw line. That fact North Texas won by only two is somewhat impressive. It was gross.
The Cowboys came in shooting 23.9 free throws per game, which ranks in the top 20 nationally. There weren’t many free throws to be had for either team early. North Texas wasn’t called for its second team foul until there was 4:10 left in the first half — going nearly 16 minutes with just one foul. The Cowboys didn’t get to the line at all in the first half.
They got there plenty late, though, shooting 13 in the final four minutes. They went 7-for-13 in that stretch. The crowd gave out a big applause when Brandon Newman made two in a row with 1:21 to play. It was the first time OSU made two in one trip to the foul line all night.
North Texas should get some credit in OSU’s offensive struggles. The Mean Green ranks third nationally in opponent points per game with solid defense and a slower tempo.
2. But Man, Did the Pokes Fight
With that being said, the Cowboys scratched, clawed, spit and gnawed off kneecaps all night long.
North Texas was up nine with 1:11 to play, and the Cowboys had a shot to win at the buzzer. That shouldn’t happen, but it did because OSU simply refused to die.
That five minutes had to last 45 minutes because the Cowboys were dead set on dragging out this battle as long as possible, and they almost took North Texas to waters it wasn’t willing to go to.
“Man, I’ve been around basketball a long time,” Lutz said. “I’ve seen good and bad. I’ve seen good and bad with this team. Tonight, they gave 110% of their heart and soul to winning this game. We just came up short. We turned the ball over too much, and we didn’t make free throws.”
3. One Tough Break
Bryce Thompson hit a 3 with 5:17 to play that would’ve cut North Texas’ lead to 49-47, but a ref blew a whistle as he was going into his shooting motion, blowing the play dead before the shot.
The whistle was to adjust he clock — which is not a great reason to take 3 points off the board. Coming out of the whistle, OSU turned the ball over, and North Texas hit a 3 on the other end. Instead of 49-47, it was 52-44.
That’s brutal, but probably not brutal enough to look over 19 turnovers a 56% free-throw shooting.
4. What Is It about This Third NIT Game?
This is the Cowboys’ third NIT journey in a row that ends in the quarterfinals — one game short of the final venue.
Back in 2023, the Cowboys also lost in the third round to North Texas. That game played out somewhat similarly to this one. It ended 65-59 in OT. Before that, back in Mike Boynton’s first season, the Cowboys lost to Western Kentucky in the quarters. Lutz wasn’t at WKU back then, but it is an odd coincidence that OSU hired a Western Kentucky coach.
The Cowboys’ goal is for this streak to stay here forever because they’d much rather make the NCAA Tournament, but man, this third NIT game has been tough to get past.
5. Crowd Was Great
The Gallagher-Iba Arena crowd saved its best for last.
This game shouldn’t have even happened here. A scheduling conflict meant the Mean Green couldn’t host. Side note: Could you imagine if North Texas lost this game at the buzzer after not finding a way to host? Yikes.
Anyway, there were 4,089 listed in attendance, which isn’t the biggest crowd OSU has had this season, but the tarps were down in the 300 sections on three sides — pushing that 4,089 closer to the floor. It has me believing that OSU should find a time machine and go back to lower the roof. Crazy idea that structurally almost certainly wouldn’t work: Put a roof above the 200 sections, then use that space above for a new wrestling facility. The energy of having all those people close to the court was a notable difference.
Lutz had a nice message to the OSU faithful after the game.
“We’re going to be where we need to be — I have no questions about that,” Lutz said. “And it’s going to be sooner than later. Stick with us, support us and help us recruit because it’s gonna be a big spring and summer for us. …
“I’m confident as much today as I was April 5 of last year when Dr. (Kayse) Shrum and Chad (Weiberg) introduced me as this basketball coach that we’re gonna get where we need to go.”
Postgame News Conference
We’ll have more in the coming days, putting a bow on OSU’s season and looking at the upcoming roster rebuild.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is competing once again in the American Association of State Troopers’ Best Looking Cruiser Contest, this time showcasing the agency’s history alongside its modern fleet.
The entry features OHP’s restored 1937 Ford patrol car paired with a current Chevrolet Tahoe, highlighting nearly nine decades of the agency’s patrol vehicle tradition.
OHP highlights historic patrol car
According to OHP, the contest entry celebrates the agency’s original 1937 Ford patrol car and its connection to the modern Chevrolet Tahoe used by troopers today.
The agency says the iconic black-and-white “dovetail” paint scheme debuted on the 1937 Ford, with the white paint wrapping over the rear wheel wells. OHP says that design became the foundation for the look that continues to represent the agency today.
How voting works
The Best Looking Cruiser Contest is decided by public vote here.
OHP says each device is allowed one vote, and every vote is important as the agency competes against perennial favorites for a chance to earn a spot in the 2027 American Association of State Troopers calendar.
Looking to improve on last year
Oklahoma finished eighth in the nation in last year’s Best Looking Cruiser Contest.
The agency is hoping this year’s entry featuring both its historic 1937 Ford and modern Chevrolet Tahoe will help improve its finish and secure a place in the 2027 calendar.
“As Route 66 celebrates its 100th birthday, we wanted to honor the most iconic highway in America and the Oklahoma Troopers who have patrolled it for generations,” OHP said. “Since 1937, Oklahoma Highway Patrol Troopers have traveled its pavement, assisted stranded motorists, investigated crashes, enforced traffic laws, and answered calls for service along the Mother Road. Route 66 isn’t just a historic highway to us—it’s part of our history.”
In this week’s Your Vote Counts, Oklahoma’s Own Scott Mitchell leads Jason Dunnington and Sen. Paul Rosino in a discussion about new Oklahoma laws, including those addressing data centers. Other topics include inflation and the ongoing impact of the war in Iran.
Looking for the perfect spot to celebrate Independence Day in Oklahoma this year? From massive fireworks displays over Grand Lake to food truck festivals and live music across the OKC metro, communities are pulling out all the stops to celebrate the Declaration of Independence. Grab your lawn chairs, round up the family, and get ready for an unforgettable week of summer fun. Here is your ultimate guide to the best Fourth of July events happening right in your backyard!
Key takeaways
- The bigger picture: Oklahoma communities are going all out for Independence Day in 2026, with celebrations spanning from Norman’s four-day Fourth Fest to major fireworks displays in Edmond, Tulsa, and on Grand Lake — giving families across the state plenty of options close to home.
- More details: Highlights include Liberty Fest in Edmond, one of the largest fireworks displays in the metro area, the Duck Creek Fireworks on Grand Lake featuring a War Bird flyover tribute synchronized to patriotic music, and Tribute to Liberty in Midwest City, which combines live music, a laser show, and fireworks in honor of the Declaration of Independence’s 250th anniversary.
- Why this matters: This year’s celebrations carry extra weight as part of America’s semiquincentennial, with several events — including Tribute to Liberty and the Duck Creek Fireworks — built around honoring both the nation’s founding and the service members who’ve defended it.
- Date: 9:45 p.m. July 1-4
- Location: Reaves Park; 2501 S Jenkins Ave., Norman
This year’s Fourth Fest is bigger than ever before, spanning four days. The city has added additional programming across multiple parks. Before the fireworks, enjoy a wide range of attractions including bouncy houses, local vendors, food trucks, pony rides, and a petting zoo. The fireworks show begins at 9:45 p.m. on July 4.
- Date: 8:30 p.m. July 3
- Location: Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St., Oklahoma City
OKCPHIL’s Red, White, and Boom concert is a high-energy celebration that brings the community together for an unforgettable summer evening of music. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic performs a vibrant program of American classics, fan favorites, and patriotic anthems.
- Date: 6-10 p.m. July 3
- Location: Boomer Lake Park; 2310 E Lakeview Road, Stillwater
This Independence Day celebration will include area vendors, food trucks, hometown hospitality, and a fireworks show. Free parking will be available at Stillwater High School’s Pioneer Stadium.
- Date: July 3-4
- Location: Yukon City Park & Chisholm Trail Park, 2200 S Holly Ave., Yukon
Bring the whole family to Freedom Fest in Yukon! Experience a lineup of live outdoor concerts, peruse the food trucks on site, and enjoy the activities for kids.
- Date: 2-10 p.m. July 4
- Location: Buck Thomas Park, 1903 NE 12th St., Moore
Enjoy one of the largest fireworks shows in the state with food trucks, vendors, and activities throughout the day. Admission is free. Fireworks will begin around 9:45 p.m.
- Date: 7-10 p.m. July 4
- Location: Joe B. Barnes Regional Park, 8700 E Reno Ave., Midwest City
Bring your chairs and join Midwest City in its celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Enjoy food trucks, games, The Wise Guys performing live on stage, a huge fireworks display, and a laser show.
- Date: 9:30 p.m. July 4
- Location: University of Central Oklahoma; 100 N University Drive, Edmond
Liberty Fest’s grand finale is one of the largest fireworks displays in the metro area. Bring your entire family to witness the spectacular show. Parking is available in lots on campus.
- Date: July 4
- Location: Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, 32888 S 4507 Road, No. 8123, Afton
Duck Creek Fireworks is the longest-running tradition on Grand Lake. Keep an eye out for the highly anticipated War Bird flyover, a tribute to the men and women serving overseas. The fireworks, beginning at sunset, will be synchronized to patriotic music.
- Date: July 4
- Location: River West Festival Park, 2100 S Jackson Ave., Tulsa
Celebrate America’s independence at Tulsa’s annual FreedomFest celebration. This celebration includes all-ages entertainment and a variety of activities and tasty concessions. FreedomFest features one of the largest free fireworks displays in Oklahoma.
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