STILLWATER – Oklahoma State beat Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 85-69 on Sunday afternoon at Gallagher-Iba Arena. The win improved the Cowboys to 4-0.
Transfer Guard Anthony Roy made his season debut for the Cowboys. Roy was one of the most highly anticipated newcomers to the team this season.
“He certainly was anxious to get out there and show everyone in the arena what he can do,” coach Steve Lutz said. “He’s a good player and as he gets more comfortable and back in the flow of playing with his teammates it’s only going to help him be better.”
Roy led the Cowboys in scoring against the Islanders. He scored 15 points in 16 minutes against the Islanders, including making three of his first four shots after being subbed into the game.
“He had 12 shots in 16 minutes, so he was definitely getting them up,” Lutz said. “We know that he’s going to make shots. That’s who he’s always been.”
Roy scored 27 points last season for Green Bay in the season opener against the Cowboys. After his time in Green Bay ended, Roy knew that he wanted to be back in Stillwater.
“I love Oklahoma and I’m really familiar with the area,” Roy said. “The coaches wanted me here to come and win some basketball games, and that’s what I want to do.”
Roy garnered attention last season for his three-point shooting ability. It was his ability to score inside though that was on display on Sunday.
“I just feel like I’m more comfortable moving around than I was,” Roy said. “Especially after missing so many games last year I was just waiting to play again. Everything worked out how it was supposed to and it feels good.”
Roy also made an impact defensively. He forced a turnover soon after entering the game, and drew attention from defenders on the perimeter, which opened up space for his teammates.
“Guys are definitely starting to play my jump shot defensively,” Roy said. “I feel like I just have to adjust and take what the defense gives me.”
With Roy healthy, the Cowboys are closer to truly finalizing rotations as conference play gets closer.
“We have a really deep team,” Lutz said. “For me now it’s less about who starts the game and instead finding the players that I trust to be on the floor at the end of the game.”
