Oklahoma State Hosting Familiar Foe With North Texas In NIT Quarterfinals

STILLWATER – Oklahoma State is set to play at least one more game this season as they host North Texas in an NIT quarterfinal match up in Gallagher-Iba Arena on Tuesday night.

The Cowboys are coming off an 85-83 road win over SMU on Sunday, while the Mean Green beat Arkansas State, 65-63. 

There’s been quite a bit of confusion as to why the Pokes, who are a four seed, are hosting the No. 2 seeded Mean Green. Did OSU bid more? Well, reports out of Denton are UNT has a staff luncheon scheduled for tomorrow and refused to move it. So, whether it’s a lack of staff or facilities, OSU benefits and will host one final game. 

The Mean Green is 26-8 overall on the season, averaging 68 points per game on 45% shooting from the floor. They’ve held opponents to 60 points per game on 41% shooting from the floor. 

They average nearly 33 rebounds per game, compared to just 29 by opponents.

They’re led by senior guard, Atin Wright, who transferred from Drake following the departure of head coach Darian DeVries last season. He’s averaging nearly 15 points per game on 40% shooting from the floor. He’s also shooting nearly 40% from 3-point range and 94% from the free throw line. 

Senior 6-9 forward, Moulary Sissoko, is the team’s leading rebounder with 6.4 boards per game.

There is a familiar face on the Mean Green’s roster as former Cowboy guard, Rondel Walker, who transferred in from TCU last season. He’s averaging just 3.5 points per game on 41% shooting from the floor. 

In theory, the Cowboys should win this game. They average nearly 73 points per game, scored 174 points in the past two games and are 13-3 at home this season. We’ll find out if the Pokes can avoid a third-round loss to UNT, much like in the 2022-23 season, when the Pokes lost in overtime, 65-59, when the Mean Green went on to win the NIT in Las Vegas.  

Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. and will be televised on ESPN2.