Date: January 6, 2020
Tip: 8:00 PM
Location: Gallagher-Iba Arena
TV: ESPN2
Oklahoma State has a big opportunity on Big Monday. Just two days after suffering a blowout loss at #22 Texas Tech, the Cowboys are hosting #17 West Virginia. Under Mike Boynton, the Cowboys are 12-5 following a loss of 12+ points, so things could get pretty interesting inside GIA tonight.
The Series
Oklahoma State has won the last three meetings with West Virginia – and four of the last five – to take an 8-7 lead in the overall series. In 2018-19, the Cowboys earned their first season sweep of the Mountaineers since 2013 and 2014, and coincidentally both games had the same final score, 85-77. The two programs met only once prior to WVU’s joining the Big 12 in 2012-13.
It Has Been A While
This is OSU’s first appearance on ESPN’s Big Monday since a 68-66 Bedlam win at Oklahoma on Jan. 30, 2017, and its first Big Monday game at home since a 77-61 win over Kansas State on March 3, 2014.
Going To Have To Earn Everything
West Virginia ranks No. 5 nationally in defensive efficiency, according to KenPom. The Mountaineers rank fifth in field goal defense by holding opponents to 36.2 percent and their 24.9 3-point field goal defense is the fourth-best mark in the country.
Team Leaders
Oklahoma State is led in scoring by Lindy Waters III at 12.9 points per game. Cameron McGriff is pulling down a team-high 6.8 rebounds per game and Isaac Likekele is dishing out 4.6 assists per game.
Scouting Report
West Virginia is winning games this season by an average score of 73-62. On average they are grabbing 42.2 rebounds (14th nationally) and recording 13.2 assists per game.
Mountaineer forward Oscar Tshiebwe is blistering the nets at a pace of 60% shooting from the field. Forward Derek Culver is nearly averaging a double-double with 10.5 points and 9.6 rebounds per game.
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