SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - In a pivotal matchup on Saturday, the Oklahoma State Cowboys showcased their resilience, defeating the Utah Runnin' Utes 81-69 at the Jon M. Huntsman Center. The victory marked a significant milestone for Oklahoma State, as it represented their first Big 12 road win in nearly two years, snapping a frustrating 15-game losing streak on the road in conference play. The last time Oklahoma State celebrated a conference road victory was on February 21, 2024, when they edged out Cincinnati with an 80-76 win. The Cowboys were led by standout performance from Anthony Roy, who lit up the scoreboard with an impressive 26 points, including five 3-pointers that proved to be crucial in securing the victory. Roy’s sharpshooting from beyond the arc not only energized his teammates but also frustrated the Runnin' Utes' defense throughout the game. "We knew we had to come in here and make a statement. Our last road win felt like ages ago, and it was time to change that narrative," Roy said after the game, his enthusiasm evident. Christian Coleman also played a pivotal role for Oklahoma State, contributing 14 points and displaying strong offensive skills. His ability to penetrate the lane and find open teammates created numerous scoring opportunities that kept the pressure on Utah. Meanwhile, the Cowboys’ defense rose to the occasion, forcing turnovers and limiting Utah's scoring options, particularly in critical moments of the game. Utah, struggling to find their rhythm, had moments of brilliance but could not consistently answer back to the Cowboys’ offensive onslaught. The Runnin' Utes were led by their own star, who scored 22 points, but the team’s overall performance was marred by turnovers and missed opportunities. Coach Craig Smith expressed disappointment after the game, noting, "We had our chances, but we let them get away from us in key moments. We have to learn to close games better." The first half of the game saw Oklahoma State establish an early lead, driven by Roy's sharp shooting. The Cowboys built a 10-point advantage, which they managed to maintain through the first half. Utah attempted to claw back, but Oklahoma State's defense proved to be a formidable barrier. The score at halftime stood at 42-33 in favor of the Cowboys, with Roy leading the way and momentum firmly on their side. As the second half commenced, Utah attempted to regroup and close the gap. The Runnin' Utes improved their offensive flow, with several players stepping up to make shots. However, Oklahoma State was quick to respond, maintaining their lead. The Cowboys showcased their depth, with contributions from the bench that kept the energy high and the pressure on Utah. With just under five minutes remaining in the game, the score tightened to 71-65, raising hopes for a dramatic finish for the home crowd. However, Oklahoma State’s composure under pressure shone through. They executed their plays with precision, hitting crucial free throws and maintaining defensive pressure to stifle any comeback attempts by Utah. Roy's late-game free throws sealed the deal, ensuring that the Cowboys would leave Salt Lake City with a much-needed victory. The victory not only boosts Oklahoma State's morale but also has implications for their standings within the Big 12. With the conference race heating up, every win counts, and this performance could be a turning point for a team looking to regain its footing. Coach Mike Boynton expressed pride in his team’s effort, stating, "This win is a testament to the hard work our guys have put in. We’ve faced adversity, and to come out on top today shows our growth as a team." As for Utah, the loss serves as a stark reminder of the work that lies ahead. With a challenging schedule coming up, the Runnin' Utes will need to regroup and focus on correcting their mistakes to avoid further setbacks. Coach Smith emphasized the importance of learning from this defeat, stating, "We need to take this experience and grow from it. It's a long season, and we have to keep fighting." The game concluded with the Cowboys celebrating a well-earned victory, while the Runnin' Utes were left to reflect on their performance and strategize for their next challenge. The road ahead is critical for both teams as they navigate the competitive landscape of college basketball in pursuit of postseason success.