"I want to kick his you-know-what": Steve Lutz opens up on friendship and rivalry with West Virginia coach Darian DeVries 

Oklahoma State coach Steve Lutz reunited with a familiar face on Saturday as his Cowboys faced West Virginia, led by first-year coach Darian DeVries. Lutz and DeVries were colleagues at Creighton from 2010 to 2017.

Now in their first seasons at their new schools, the duo found themselves on opposite sidelines, with DeVries’ Mountaineers earning a decisive 69-50 victory.

Despite the loss, Lutz had high praise for his former coworker and friend.

“I’m proud of him,” Lutz said. “No matter the wins or losses, we’ll always be friends. I expect great things from him, and I’m sure he feels the same about me and my family. But when we play each other, I want to kick his you-know-what.”

DeVries’ Mountaineers have had a strong start, improving to 11-2 overall and 2-0 in Big 12 play. Meanwhile, Lutz’s Cowboys sit at 8-5 overall and 0-2 in conference action.

West Virginia took control of the game by dominating early and holding a double-digit lead throughout the second half.

Marchelus Avery led Oklahoma State with 15 points off the bench, while Abou Osumane added 14.

Despite the defeat, Lutz reflected on the journey he and DeVries have shared since their days at Creighton. Together, they helped transition the program from the Missouri Valley Conference to the Big East, turning it into a consistent NCAA Tournament contender.

“We started in 2010 together in the Missouri Valley and moved to the Big East,” Lutz said.

“That program is playing at a very, very high level now. He’s gotta be thrilled and proud, and so am I. We were part of the group that helped take it to the next level.”

While Lutz took pride in their shared accomplishments, Saturday’s loss stung.

“It doesn’t make you feel any better when you get your butt beat today,” Lutz acknowledged.

As both coaches navigate their inaugural Big 12 seasons, their friendship and rivalry add another layer to their respective journeys. Lutz’s respect for DeVries remains unwavering, although he’s clear about wanting a different outcome the next time both programs meet.

Steve Lutz reflects on Oklahoma State’s loss to West Virginia

Oklahoma State coach Steve Lutz did not mince words after his Cowboys’ 69-50 loss to West Virginia on Saturday. Facing a formidable opponent, the Cowboys struggled to find a rhythm, particularly in the first half, where turnovers and lack of cohesion proved costly.

“Hats off to West Virginia,” Lutz said. “Defensively in the first half, that was a phenomenal job on their part. They turned us over, they got us out of what we were doing. They deserve all the credit for that.”

West Virginia’s defensive pressure was relentless, forcing the Cowboys into numerous mistakes early in the game. Oklahoma State was unable to execute its offensive game plan, resulting in a deficit that widened as the first half wore on.

“It’s a simple game,” Lutz said. “If you give the other team more possessions than you, you’re not going to win the game.”

The Cowboys’ struggles with ball security were evident, which gave the Mountaineers additional opportunities to capitalize.

“Our guys weren’t strong with the ball,” Lutz acknowledged. “In the first half, we didn’t play together.”

The lack of cohesion on both ends of the floor highlighted the challenges Lutz’s Cowboys faced for the majority of the game.