Utah’s offensive struggles were a major factor in the loss. It shot 40% from the field and 25% from beyond the arc. The Runnin' Utes were also outrebounded 33-30 by the Cowboys. The loss now puts Utah’s Big 12 record at 4-6 and 12-9 overall.

The Runnin’ Utes are finding life on the road in the Big 12 tough in their first season in the conference. Bryce Thompson scored 20 points on 4-for-4 shooting from 3-point range, reserve Marchelus Avery scored 17 points and Oklahoma State beat Utah 81-72 on Saturday to end the Cowboys’ three-game skid.

While Utah (12-9, 4-6 Big 12) attempted several times to cut into Oklahoma State's lead, the Cowboys had an answer for every Utes run. An 8-0 run in the first half by Utah was then cut short by several turnovers, and was then compounded by several fouls to send the home team to the free-throw line.

Utah is in the middle of the Big 12 grind — the Runnin’ Utes will reach the league schedule’s midpoint Saturday at Oklahoma State — but this week, there was a day of respite. The Utes, after playing three games in six days,