OSU Basketball: Rising Raiders Seek First Win In GIA Since 2003

The Cowboys return home to face a charging Texas Tech squad that has defeated three-straight Top 25 teams for the first time in program history. The Red Raiders (16-9, 6-7) are playing their way toward an NCAA tournament berth and have already beaten Oklahoma State in Lubbock. Here are three keys to an Oklahoma State win on Saturday.

Point Guard Play

The Cowboys are likely without starter Jawun Evans for the remainder of the season, but fill-in Tyree Griffin is holding his own. Griffin dished out 12 assists in Monday’s loss at Kansas and has averaged 37.8 minutes per game in Evans’ absence.

Return To Defensive Form

Before giving up 94 to No. 2 Kansas, the Cowboys were giving up just 68.5 points in Big 12 play. They still rank second in the conference in field goal defense (40.3 percent) and have held four of their last five opponents to 23 points or less in a half.

Points In The Paint

Chris Olivier hasn’t scored in double figures since the game in Lubbock. If the Cowboys can get their go-to post player off to a good start, it will go a long way toward an Oklahoma State victory. Mitchell Solomon will also have opportunities to score down low should he avoid foul trouble and Leyton Hammonds must remain aggressive.

The Cowboys have won 12 straight in Stillwater against the Red Raiders. The last Tech win in Gallagher-Iba came in 2003.