John's Analysis: Short-Handed OSU Falls To West Virginia

Cowboys needed all hands on deck to take on the relentless pressure that West Virginia puts on you.  But with no Tyree Griffin because of a concussion, and no Anthony Allen because of a violation of team rules, they were down two of their top six or seven players. 

West Virginia took advantage, got off to a great start and just like on Tuesday night at Baylor, offensive rebounding was a problem for OSU. 

West Virginia ended up with 18 offensive boards built a double-digit lead that they took into the halftime locker room. 

The Cowboys tried to cut the deficit, but never got it back to single digits. And despite a solid game by Jeffery Carroll, his first career double-double, ten points and 11 rebounds, they just didn't have enough to defeat the Mountaineers on this afternoon. 

West Virginia shot just 39 percent but finished with a 77-60 win.

"Sometimes it just boils down to desire,” said Cowboys head coach Travis Ford. “Sometimes it just boils down to toughness. Sometimes it just boils down to you just have to go get it, and West Virginia does a very good job of doing that."

With the win, West Virginia improved to 14-1 while the Cowboys fell to 9-6, and 1-2 in Big 12 play.

Up Next: OSU will host Bedlam rival Oklahoma on Wednesday night at 8:00 p.m. in Gallagher-Iba Arena.