Cowboys Face Georgetown In Maui Invitational Third-Place Game

Oklahoma State was dealt a humbling loss from one of the nation’s best teams last night, but the Cowboys have a shot at third-place in the Maui Invitational and another quality opponent in Georgetown. Opening tip is set for 6:30 p.m. CT with the championship game between UNC and Wisconsin following.

The Hoyas upset No. 13 Oregon in the first round, 65-61, before losing yesterday to No. 16 Wisconsin, 73-57. They’re led by a pair of 6-foot-5 guards; senior Rodney Pryor, averaging 20 points per game in the tournament, and junior L.J. Peak averages 17.5 points.

Center Jessie Govan stands 6-foot-10 and has scored in double figures in three-of-five games. He was awful against Wisconsin though, getting two quick fouls and finishing with just 3 points in seven minutes. Power forward Isaac Copeland was equally ineffective against the Badgers, going 0-for-5 and without a rebound in 17 minutes. Both starting big men could be more effective tonight against Oklahoma State’s small frontcourt.

As for Brad Underwood’s bunch, the top priority has to be finding more looks for Phil Forte. The senior couldn’t get his shot off against North Carolina’s lengthy defense and the Heels held OSU’s second-leading scorer to just 2 points in 24 minutes.

It would also help if senior forward Leyton Hammonds could find his shot again. Hammonds is struggling mightily with his outside shot, going 2-for-15 (.133) from deep to start the season after knocking down 34.2 percent a year ago. He’s also fouled out in both games in Maui.

Of course, Jawun Evans stole the show in last night’s loss and he’ll be gunning for his third-straight 30-point game against Georgetown tonight. Evans’ 27.0 points per game average sits fourth-best in the nation currently.

The Cowboys next opponent after Georgetown is Rogers State on Nov. 30 in Stillwater.