OSU Snaps Losing Streak By Beating SMU In Dallas

Grant Belcher, News9.com

DALLAS – The Cowboys had been waiting three weeks for another victory, so 10 more minutes was nothing.

OSU outlasted Southern Methodist 68-58 in double overtime as part of The Showcase at American Airlines Center in Dallas on Wednesday.

Both teams' defenses played the prominent role in one of the lowest-scoring double OT games in a long time.

The entire game was every bit as close as the two overtimes would suggest, with countless ties and lead changes throughout.

The Mustangs led by one at the half and Keiton Page took over the scoring at the end of regulation to keep the Cowboys in it.

With the game tied at 47, Page pump faked from 3-point range, got fouled and hit two out of three free throws to give OSU a 49-47 lead.

But SMU's Rodney Clinkscales responded immediately with a layup that would tie the game and force the first overtime.

For the first three minutes of the extra period, the Mustangs appeared to have the game in the bag, leading by six with just over two minutes to play.

But Page was fouled on yet another 3-point attempt and drained all three free throws to continue his scoring spree.

He made two more 3-pointers in OT, scoring all nine for the Cowboys in the period and part of 11 straight for OSU.

Then it was Oklahoma State's turn to get off to a hot start in the second overtime. Cezar Guerrero and Keiton Page had all 10 points in the second overtime for OSU as the Cowboys held SMU scoreless.

Page finished with a game-high 27 points and pulled down six rebounds.

Guerrero was essentially labeled OSU's point guard of the future by process of elimination with the recent departures of Fred Gulley and Reger Dowell. He responded to an increased role with 14 points off the bench on Wednesday.

The teams combined for 50 3-point attempts in the game and 29 turnovers.

The win for OSU snapped a three-game losing streak with one game remaining before conference plays kicks in.

The Cowboys will host Virginia Tech at 11 a.m. on New Year's Eve in Gallagher-Iba Arena.