It wasn’t always pleasant, but Oklahoma State completed its nonconference schedule on a high note.
On Sunday, OSU defeated Oral Roberts 86-74 at Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater, improving its record to 8-3. OSU, which remained undefeated at home, was up against a tough in-state opponent but had just enough to win.
While it did not result in an immediate separation, the Cowboys proceeded to pick up the pace and play at their preferred tempo in the second half. Nonetheless, it enabled the Cowboys extend their lead beyond ten and assume control.
OSU extended its lead until ORU rallied late to reduce the gap.
After nearly losing to Tarleton State on Wednesday, OSU did not play like a team with something to prove. OSU never had a double-digit lead in the first half and struggled to gain separation.
After a close struggle with the Golden Eagles for the majority of the first half, the Cowboys went on a run to establish some separation before halftime. Arturo Dean and Abou Ousmane scored to help OSU build a 38-31 halftime advantage.
ORU’s success in the first half was mostly due to its impressive shooting from beyond the arc. In the first 20 minutes, ORU shot 7-of-13 from beyond the arc, keeping the game close.
Big guy Andrija Vukovic played his first important minutes for the Cowboys on Sunday. He finished with six points and spent a lot of time at the foul line, making ten free throws.
OSU’s ability to go to the line was not restricted to Vukovic alone. In the first half, the Cowboys made 17 of 22 free throws, completing 31 of 39. Along with the baskets OSU scored at the line, putting a number of ORU’s top players into foul trouble was crucial as the game went.