Solomon leads OSU past Mississippi Valley State

STILLWATER — For four years, Mitchell Solomon has been labeled as a player with tremendous offensive ability — in practice.

In real games, where the stats count, Solomon has been someone else. He’s been the glue for Oklahoma State’s defense, the player who always positions himself correctly. But the offensive game has often stayed in the locker room.

Is that beginning to change? Well, the 6-foot-9 senior hasn’t missed a shot in 12 days.

In a boilerplate 83-62 win over Mississippi Valley State on Saturday, Solomon produced 11 points, six rebounds and three steals on 5-of-5 shooting. He contributed in a number of ways, scoring inside and outside and diving to the floor to save possessions.

In Oklahoma State’s (7-1) last three games, Solomon has made all 14 of his shots from the field and is averaging 9.7 points and six rebounds per game.

Early this season, Oklahoma State looked like a team that needed to rely on the 3-point shot.

They still took a lot of 3s Sunday — 29 of the 59 field goal attempts came from deep — but also continued to find offense inside from Solomon and Cameron McGriff (11 points, nine rebounds).

Playing inside out has led to more efficient offensive play.

“It’s been a point of emphasis for probably three or four games now,” coach Mike Boynton said.

What helps OSU is that Solomon might be Oklahoma State’s most consistent player. When he has stayed out of foul trouble, the Bixby native is a premier rebounder and is learning to get in position to score.