GAME NOTES: Big 12 Conference rivals square off at Hilton Coliseum today, as the Oklahoma State Cowboys tangle with the Iowa State Cyclones. The Cowboys enter the contest on a low note, as they dropped a 79-71 decision at Baylor on Tuesday. With the loss, OSU saw its five-game win streak come to a close, as it dipped to 10-6 overall and an even 1-1 in league play. Next up for the Cowboys will be a matchup with nationally-ranked Texas on Monday. As for ISU, it comes into the tilt on a winning note, posting a 72-67 triumph over Missouri on Wednesday. It was the fourth win in the past five outings for the Cyclones, who improved to 11-6 overall and 1-1 against conference foes. Following today's bout, ISU will travel Lawrence to take on undefeated and nationally-ranked Kansas on Wednesday. With respect to the all-time series, OSU owns a 57-51 edge over ISU and it has won the last two meetings.

The Cowboys shot a solid 47.1 percent from the floor, but that wasn't enough to overcome their 22 costly turnovers in a 79-71 loss at Baylor. The team also had it share of problems from behind the arc (5-of-19), as well as at the foul line (18-of-33). Terrel Harris paced the team in defeat with 23 points and seven rebounds, although he also accounted for eight turnovers. Marcus Dove posted 12 points and seven rebounds, while James Anderson and Byron Eaton chipped in with 11 points apiece. For the season, Anderson leads OSU in scoring at 16.2 ppg and he is shooting 40.6 percent from three-point range. Harris ranks second in both scoring (11.5 ppg) and rebounding (4.9 rpg), and Dove puts forth 10.6 ppg and a team-best 5.6 rpg. Overall, the Cowboys are turning in 72.6 ppg on the strength of 44.3 percent shooting from the field this season.

The Cyclones outscored Missouri at the foul line, 25-8, and that made the difference in their 72-67 triumph on Wednesday. The efficiency at the line, helped compensate for the team's sub par 39.0 percent shooting effort from the floor that included a poor 1-of-16 showing from long range. Wesley Johnson led the charge with a double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds. Jiri Hubalek turned in 17 points and seven boards, while Rahshon Clark and Craig Brackins had 16 and 14 points, respectively. For the season, Johnson tops the roster in scoring at 13.1 ppg and Brackins is hot on his trail with 12.4 ppg. Hubalek leads the team in rebounding at 7.5 rpg and he is also scoring 12.2 ppg, while Clark contributes 10.5 ppg and 5.6 rpg. As a team, the Cyclones are producing 66.6 ppg, in addition to making 44.4 percent of their total shots.

ISU has the advantage playing this game at home and with another balanced effort, it should come out on top today.