Oklahoma State Seeks to End Four-Game Skid Against Colorado

Both teams have struggled in Big 12 play after strong starts to the season.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 2:35am

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Oklahoma State and Colorado, who both entered conference play with momentum, will meet on Saturday in Boulder as the Cowboys look to snap a four-game losing streak. Oklahoma State has been led by Anthony Roy (17.5 ppg), but will be without big man Lefteris Mantzoukas, who has left the team for health reasons. Colorado is paced by freshman Isaiah Johnson, who is averaging 16.5 points per game and has earned praise from head coach Tad Boyle.

Why it matters

This matchup features two teams that have fallen on hard times in Big 12 play after strong starts to the season. The winner will look to build some much-needed confidence heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

The details

Oklahoma State has lost four straight games, including a defeat against No. 8 Kansas on Wednesday. The Cowboys will be without Lefteris Mantzoukas, who has left the program for health reasons. Colorado is coming off a tough overtime loss at No. 23 BYU, but has been led by freshman Isaiah Johnson, who is averaging 16.5 points per game.

  • Oklahoma State and Colorado entered the conference schedule with momentum.
  • Oklahoma State has lost four in a row, the last against No. 8 Kansas on Wednesday night.
  • Lefteris Mantzoukas has left the Oklahoma State program for health reasons.

The players

Anthony Roy

Oklahoma State's leading scorer, averaging 17.5 points per game.

Lefteris Mantzoukas

Oklahoma State big man who has left the program for health reasons.

Isaiah Johnson

Colorado freshman who is averaging 16.5 points per game and has earned praise from head coach Tad Boyle.

Tad Boyle

Colorado's head coach.

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What they’re saying

“Isaiah Johnson is the best freshman in the country that nobody talks about. I believe he'll be an NBA player someday.”

— Tad Boyle, Colorado Head Coach

“Lefty has been a tremendous teammate and person during his time in Stillwater and will be deeply missed.”

— Steve Lutz, Oklahoma State Head Coach

What’s next

Colorado will face two of the top four teams in the nation - No. 2 Houston and No. 4 Arizona - in its final three games after this matchup with Oklahoma State.

The takeaway

This game features two teams that have struggled in conference play after strong starts to the season, making it an important matchup as they look to build momentum heading into the final stretch. The absence of Lefteris Mantzoukas will be a significant loss for Oklahoma State, while Colorado will look to continue getting strong production from freshman Isaiah Johnson.