• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Iowa State slump won't end against Oklahoma

Jan 31, 2009 - 11:24 AM No. 5 Oklahoma (20-1) at Iowa State (12-8) 1:30 p.m. EST

AMES, Iowa (Ticker) -- Iowa State is mired in its worst slump of the season. A matchup with the best team in the Big 12 will not help matters.

The Cyclones try to snap a three-game slide on Saturday when they host Blake Griffin and fifth-ranked Oklahoma.

After earning its only conference win against Nebraska on January 14, Iowa State (12-8, 1-4 Big 12) dropped each of its next three games, starting with a 77-46 loss to Missouri.

Following another lopsided setback to Kansas, the Cyclones suffered their fourth consecutive loss against Colorado, dropping a 55-49 decision on Tuesday.

Iowa State will have a difficult time snapping its slide against the Sooners (20-1, 6-0), who have rolled off eight straight wins since suffering their lone loss of the season, 96-88, to Arkansas on December 30.

Griffin continues to make his case for Player of the Year honors, ranking first in the nation in rebounding (14.0) and 13th in points, averaging 22.3 per game.

The 6-10 sophomore posted his third straight double-double, recording 26 points and 19 rebounds as Oklahoma topped intra-state rival Oklahoma State, 89-81, on Monday.

The win was the fourth straight and sixth in the last seven showdowns against Oklahoma State for the Sooners, who became the first team in the nation to reach 20 wins this campaign.