Oklahoma State also really dominated the offensive boards on Saturday, grabbing 14 against the Mountaineers. In fact Oklahoma State only attempted 14 threes for the entire game and still put up 85 points and 1.16 points per possession. Oklahoma State plays a lot of isolation-heavy basketball with Cunningham but against West Virginia on Saturday, the Cowboys dominated the Mountaineers inside, shooting 67.4% from 2-point range.īeing forced to play more small ball this season, West Virginia’s interior defense has struggled, allowing over 53% from 2-point range and 61% on shot attempts at the rim, per Hoop-Math. 1 overall recruit has been fantastic all season, leading the Cowboys in scoring at 19.6 per game. Oklahoma State’s offense revolves around Cunningham. Isn’t sure if Likekele will start, either. He’s monitoring Likekele closer since he’s played just once in past few weeks. #OKState coach Mike Boynton said Cade Cunningham and Isaac Likekele will play tomorrow. The good news for the Cowboys is they won’t have to face the Mountaineers again without their star player with Cunningham set to return for the conference tournament. The Mountaineers are currently projected to get a three seed in March Madness, so a first-round exit in the Big 12 tournament could provide a harsh blow to that.
The Mountaineers have lost two of their last three games heading into the tournament.īob Huggins’ men were on a great run before running into the buzzsaw that is Baylor on March 2 before losing to a shorthanded Oklahoma State. 10 West Virginia is limping to the finish line after a stellar regular season.
I’d have to imagine another win over West Virginia could help bolster the Cowboys’ seeding.
If Oklahoma State is able to play in the tournament, ESPN’s Bracketology has it currently projected as a four seed. However, the Cowboys’ status for the NCAA Tournament is up in the air right now due to the NCAA’s impending decision regarding a potential postseason ban for the Cowboys. Oklahoma State is one of the hottest teams in the country headed into March, winning six of its last seven games. Oklahoma State and West Virginia will meet for the second time in less than a week after the Cowboys pulled off a shocking upset in Morgantown on Saturday without their star player Cade Cunningham. Odds as of Wednesday night and via PointsBet.