Cowboys Crush Missouri Western In Exhibition Game

Le'Bryan Nash started his senior season out in style, recording a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds in just 23 minutes, as Oklahoma State defeated Missouri Western 74-35 here Saturday afternoon in exhibition action.

Senior transfer Anthony Hickey also scored 11 points while grabbing five steals defensively. In all, 10 Cowboys scored, with six collecting eight or more points.

The game started out sluggish, as the score was just 5-2 OSU five minutes into the game. However, the Pokes scored five quick points and took a 10-2 lead. The Griffons stayed within single digits through the first 14 minutes, but with Oklahoma State leading 26-17 with 3:45 left in the half, the Cowboys went on a 12-1 run to end the period and take a 38-18 lead into intermission.

OSU missed its first nine shots of the second half before a jumper by newcomer Jeff Newberry made the score 44-20. The Cowboys quickly increased the lead to as many as 41, with mostly newcomers and walk-ons in the game for the final 14 minutes.

Hickey and backup freshman point guard Tyree Griffin combined for eight steals and just one turnover in 33 minutes of play. Redshirt freshman Jeffrey Carroll finished with 10 points off the bench.

OSU senior post player Michael Cobbins did not play. Due to playing two regular-season games for a total of five minutes during his redshirt year in 2010-11, the NCAA eligibility committee has determined that he must sit out four contests (one exhibition, three regular games) to start the season.

Oklahoma State will open the regular season on Friday, Nov. 14, as the Cowboys host Southeastern Louisiana at 7 pm inside Gallagher-Iba Arena.