OSU’s aggression slips early in second half
NORMAN — Until the end, Oklahoma State stayed aggressive. When it helped, when it hurt, the Cowboys kept pushing.
Except for about a four-minute stretch to start the second half, when No. 7 Oklahoma’s single-digit lead got out of hand for the Cowboys, ultimately ending in a 109-89 Sooner victory Wednesday night at Lloyd Noble Center.
“We got our tails kicked, and obviously got our tails kicked by a really good team,” OSU coach Mike Boynton said.
Outside of the costly minutes to start the second half, Oklahoma State stuck with the Sooners.
Oklahoma State guard Tavarius Shine, who had been the team’s biggest offensive threat and best defensive option against OU star Trae Young, fouled out with 13:40 to play.
After that, the Cowboys found it hard to come from behind against an OU team that seemingly couldn’t miss.
With their defensive reputation holding strong through the first 13 games, Wednesday became a frustrating night.
“It’s always frustrating when you feel like you’re playing pretty good defense and they’re still making shots,” OSU guard Brandon Averette said. “It wears on you after a while. But they’re great shooters, so give them all the credit.”
The Cowboys were without their most versatile defensive player in 6-foot-6 wing Lindy Waters III. Shine caused some problems for Young early. But fouls piled up for Shine and other Cowboys.
Cowboy sharpshooter Thomas Dziagwa hit five 3-pointers and had a team-high 19 points. Shine finished with 16, while Jeffrey Carroll added 15 and Averette had 13.
The Sooners got 28 from Brady Manek and 27 from Young, with the Sooners shooting 54.0 percent from the floor.
“It’s frustrating, but it’s part of the game,” Boynton said. “I played it, so I get it. They space the floor with good shooters and give Trae room to work.
“We’ve got to do a better job the next time we meet them of limiting the other guys from being as effective.”
Oklahoma State will get its next shot at the Sooners Jan. 20 in Stillwater.