Waters bounces back against Texas Tech
STILLWATER — Lindy Waters wasn’t at his best Saturday, struggling in a loss to TCU. He did not allow that slump to carry into Wednesday.
Waters, a sophomore guard, was a key factor in Oklahoma State’s 79-71 upset of Texas Tech in Gallagher-Iba Arena.
He made his all six of his shots attempts, including four 3-pointers, to lead OSU to its victory over the No. 6 Red Raiders.
Waters was responsible for five of the 14 consecutive points the Cowboys scored early in the second half to take a lead they wouldn’t relinquish, adding a 3 shortly after the run ended.
Each of his makes, like those of his teammates, fired up the GIA crowd lightened because of inclement weather.
In the final minute, Waters grabbed a key defensive rebound that afforded OSU some comfort. He finished with a career-high 18 points.
Solomon sits majority of first half
The Cowboys were without senior forward Mitchell Solomon for the majority of Wednesday’s first half. Solomon picked up his first foul with 17:04 to go in the period, and his second came only 16 seconds later. He was clearly unhappy with the call, putting his hands on his hips and staring at the official. Solomon headed to the OSU bench and remained there for the final 16:48 of the half.
Without Solomon, Texas Tech outscored OSU, 30-27, a theme in the Cowboys’ recent struggles. The Cowboys have been slumping with Solomon off the court, but they managed to keep things close without him against the Red Raiders and went into the locker room down 35-34.
He picked up two more early in the second half, finished with three points in 13 minutes played.
Sean Sutton welcomed back to GIA
Former OSU coach Sean Sutton made his return to Gallagher-Iba Arena for Wednesday’s game.
Sutton, serving as an adviser to Texas Tech coach Chris Beard, made his first appearance in the arena as a visitor against the Cowboys.
After starting lineups were announced, Sutton was introduced and received an ovation from the sparse crowd.
Sutton’s brother, Scott, is an assistant on OSU coach Mike Boynton’s staff. Eddie Sutton, Sutton’s father and his predecessor as coach, was in attendance and was introduced during the second half.
OSU football coach
Mike Gundy was recognized immediately before, causing “Gundy” chants to transition into “Eddie” chants.
Up next
The Cowboys are back on the road Saturday to face Texas.
OSU beat the Longhorns in the matchup in Stillwater, 65-64, on Jan. 13. A late tip-in from Tavarius Shine gave the Cowboys the victory.
Jeffrey Carroll led OSU with 17 points, making seven of his 12 attempts. He made at least seven baskets only once in the next 10 games.
The Longhorns could use a home-court victory to boost their NCAA Tournament hopes.