Oklahoma State Drops Big 12-Big East Battle to Xavier, 77-71

STILLWATER – It was a tough day at the office for Oklahoma State Cowboy basketball as they dropped a close one to Xavier in the Big 12-Big East Battle, 77-71.

With the loss, the Cowboys move to 6-3 on the season and will face Cleveland State on Monday, December 13 in Stillwater. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT and will be streamed on ESPN+.

Avery Anderson III led the Cowboys with a season-high 26 points on 10-of-18 shooting from the floor, 3-for-6 from 3-point range. He also went 3-for-4 from the charity stripe and had five rebounds and three assists. This performance comes after a previous season-high 17-points against Wichita State last week.

Bryce Williams was next on the score sheet with 11 points on 4-of-10 shooting, but everyone else struggled from the floor as three scorers finished with seven points each, Bryce Thompson, Isaac Likekele and Kalib Boone. Woody Newton finished with a season-high six points following back-to-back three-pointers in the final four minutes of the game.

The first half for the Cowboys was very good. They shot 55% from the field and ended the first half on a 13-5 run, capped by a three-pointer by Anderson III at the buzzer to go into the second half leading 39-35.

The second half was a bit different as the Cowboys shot just 31% from the field. Fouls were also a major issue as the Pokes committed 15 fouls, resulting in 16-of-20 from the free throw line for the Musketeers.

For the game, the Cowboys were outrebounded 42-33, including a 28-22 differential on the defensive end of the court.