Home / Sports / Cowboys Basketball Adds Gaels to Challenging Slate
Cowboys Basketball Adds Gaels to Challenging Slate
19 Jun
Summary
- Oklahoma State's 2026-27 schedule includes a home game against Saint Mary's.
- Saint Mary's has been a top mid-major program with multiple conference titles.
- The Gaels are transitioning with a new head coach after Randy Bennett's departure.
Oklahoma State's men's basketball team, led by head coach Steve Lutz, is preparing for a more demanding 2026-27 season. The Cowboys have confirmed a non-conference matchup against Saint Mary's, scheduled for December 5th at Gallagher-Iba Arena. This game is part of an expected 14-game non-conference slate designed to toughen the team.
Saint Mary's has established itself as a consistent contender in college basketball over the past 16 seasons. Despite competing in the same conference as Gonzaga, the Gaels have secured four West Coast Conference regular-season titles in the last five years and won the conference tournament in 2019 and 2024. They have also made 12 NCAA tournament appearances since 2005.
The Gaels are currently navigating a period of transition. Long-time head coach Randy Bennett has moved to Arizona State, leading to his top assistant and former player, Mickey McConnell, stepping into the head coaching role for his debut season. Meanwhile, Oklahoma State aims to improve in Lutz's third year, having reached the NIT in the past two seasons but falling short of the NCAA Tournament since 2021.
