Depleted Cowboys Pick Up Big Win At Texas Tech

OSU's roster seems to get smaller by the day, but that wasn't a problem in an 80-63 victory over the Red Raiders.

Tuesday, January 31st 2012, 10:27 pm

By: News 9


News9.com

LUBBOCK, Texas – The Cowboys' decisive road victory at Texas Tech on Tuesday could only be described as a group effort.

A very, very small group.

Despite OSU's continually diminishing roster, a small but determined set of Cowboys handled the Red Raiders 80-63 at United Spirit Arena.

At one point in the game, Oklahoma State was reduced down to five available scholarship players, if you don't count former walk-on Christien Sager, who was awarded a "leftover" scholarship entering the season.

Because of big man Philip Jurick's absence with a left foot injury (he didn't make the trip), the Cowboys had just seven true scholarship players suited up for Tuesday's game.

Midway through the second half, forward Marek Soucek fouled out while Keiton Page was on the bench receiving treatment for an injured left ankle.

That left five available players – Markel Brown, Le'Bryan Nash, Michael Cobbins, Brian Williams and Cezar Guerrero – who played admirably under tough conditions.

Page would eventually re-enter the game but he had his left ankle heavily taped and favored his right throughout the rest of the game.

Markel Brown took over the scoring load the entire night for Oklahoma State as he put up 30 points, including 13-of-13 from the free throw line, and also grabbed seven boards. Those 30 points easily ousted his previous career high of 19.

Le'Bryan Nash had 16 points before eventually fouling out as well, and Page added 10.

The short roster also resulted in another brief appearance from Sager, who shot one 3-pointer but missed it.

OSU held a slow and steady lead throughout the first half that eventually built to 10 (45-35) at the break.

Tech battled back to within six points a couple of times but never really threatened in the second half.

The result was the first road conference win for Oklahoma State in nearly two calendar years. Its last of the sort was a win at Iowa State on Feb. 17, 2010.

Free throws were huge for the Cowboys, who shot 33-of-35 on the night (94.3 percent).

Oklahoma State upped its record to 4-5 in the Big 12 (11-11 overall) while Texas Tech fell to 7-14 and remained winless in Big 12 play at 0-9.

The Cowboys have a couple days off to prepare for a big matchup with No. 6 Baylor on Saturday in Stillwater. Tipoff is set for 12:45 p.m.

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