STILLWATER, Okla. – As freshman star Cade Cunningham soaked in the checkers Monday night after Oklahoma State’s win, home fans at the Gallagher-Iba Arena said, “One more year!”
He is not returning – he was introduced to the seniors and is projected by many to be the top pick in this year’s NBA draft. And when the game was on the line, it was easy to see why he is on his way. Cunningham scored 13 of his 15 points in the final 10 minutes to beat the 17th-ranked Cowboys at No. 16 Oklahoma 79-75.
Cunningham had 40 points in a 94–90 overtime win at Oklahoma on Saturday. This time, the 6-foot-8 point guard was an overnight slump, but strong.
Oklahoma cad guard Bryce Williams said, “Cade just builds pressure on the rest of us.” “He’s under a lot of pressure on him, but it’s not really pressure for him to do it. He can handle the situation. But there is a team behind him who can return him every day.”
Kalib Boone had 17 points and nine rebellions, and Williams scored 14 for the Cowboys (17-6, 10-6 Big 12), who won their fifth straight game overall and their third consecutive run over a ranked opponent. Won.
Oklahoma State coach Mike Boynton said Monday’s scenario was awkward.
“We just played this game,” Boynton said. “We have really played this game. We played 45 minutes 56 hours ago. Both teams are good. Both teams made adjustments from Saturday to today. “
The latest EPSN projection has Oklahoma State as the No. 4 seed in the NCAA tournament. In the Big Dance, the Cowboys cannot decide on the Cowboys’ punishment for violating the rules for the Spot Infection Committee.
Brady Manek had 20 points and Austin Reeves added 19 (14-8, 9-7) for Oklahoma, losing their third straight after climbing to No. 7 in the AP Top 25.
“The main message is fighting, stay mentally close and just listen to Coach Krug (Lone Krueger) honestly,” Reactor said. “It’s really the main thing, and that’s what we’ll get back and do.”
Mank hit three 3-pointers to help Oklahoma take a 23–16 lead. Oklahoma State rallied and Rondell Walker’s 3 eventually put Oklahoma State ahead 32-30.
Oklahoma led 36–35 behind Maneck by 16 points. Cunningham had two points, no field goals and just two shot attempts in the first half.
Reactions heated up in the second half. He threw a two-handed sting down in traffic to bring it to 61-57 as quickly as possible.
Cunningham had his first field goal with just seven minutes remaining. He made another layoff 30 seconds later, then the Cowboys worked the ball around Williams, whose 3-pointer pushed him to 66-64.
Oklahoma State led by five in the final minute to Reeves on a wild puttak, which looked like an out of school game. He rebounded the ball from the floor with his right hand, then in a single motion saw it fall to the floor. He was fouled and his free throw with 7 seconds left Oklahoma State’s lead at 77-75.
“I still can’t believe he shot the last one,” Boynton said. “I don’t know how he did it.”
Cunningham was stirred for 6.3 seconds to play, and he threw both free to put the game out of reach.
Cunningham went only 3 of 8 from the field, yet the Cowboys shot 53% overall and 59% in the second half.
“He’s a great player,” Williams said. “Nothing to take away from my man, but we’re a great team at the end of the day. We’ve got all the pieces. We have all the finishers, all the playmates, all the shooters. We think we can play whatever we can. . “
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