Oklahoma State faced #16 Texas A&M on Monday night in the semifinals of the 2017 Progressive Legends Classic. The 72-55 setback marked the first time this season the Cowboys fell to an opponent.
OSU was sluggish at the start with Texas A&M going on a 25-7 run over the final eight minutes of the first half to take over the game. Reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year Robert Williams posted a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. He also added three steals and two blocked shots.
His presence had a significant impact on Oklahoma State who saw a drastic drop in their shooting percentage. The Pokes managed to go just 20-of-67 (29.9%) from the floor and were beaten on the boards by a margin of 45-38.
Sophomore guard Brandon Averette was the only OSU player to score in double figures with 10 points on a 4-9 shooting night.
Final from Brooklyn. Cowboys fall for the first time this season to No. 16 Texas A&M. #okstate pic.twitter.com/qxVi84ea7P
— OSU Cowboy Basketball (@OSUMBB) November 21, 2017
Three Thoughts
It isn’t all bad. Oklahoma State forced the Aggies into 19 turnovers but they just couldn’t capitalize. Ten of the nineteen turnovers were steals as well. While much should be said about the poor shooting night, it was a good defensive night for OSU who also turned in three blocked shots.
Die by the three. OSU had been really good from the three in their previous three games but it isn’t real difficult to see why they lost on Monday night. Involved in their abysmal shooting performance was a 3-24 (12.5%) from three-point range. Oklahoma State shot themselves out of the game.
Noticeable step-up in level of competition. This was OSU’s first crack at a ranked opponent and they looked like it. The Cowboys’ first three opponents had a combined three wins going into Monday night.