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Reunion rout

OSU's Byron Eaton, driving past TU's Jerome Jordan (left) and Ben Uzoh, led all scorers with 26 points. STEPHEN HOLMAN/Tulsa World

 
By JIMMIE TRAMEL World Sports Writer
Published: 11/21/2008  2:32 AM
Last Modified: 11/21/2008  3:26 AM

Cowboys roll past Hurricane



STILLWATER — Oklahoma State and Tulsa waited 12 years to play a basketball game that probably was decided in 15 minutes.

In the first meeting between the rivals since 1996, OSU roared to a 23-point lead in the first 15 minutes and laid the groundwork for a 91-73 victory Thursday night at Gallagher-Iba Arena.

The Golden Hurricane, which committed 15 turnovers in an opener against Oral Roberts, committed 15 turnovers on its first 27 possessions against OSU.

"When you are a pressing team and things are going your way, I told our guys it's kind of like a pack of wolves," OSU coach Travis Ford said.

"We just kept coming and it becomes a bit of a frenzy. That's literally what happened."

Tulsa never had a streak of more than three consecutive turnover-less possessions until the final three minutes of the first half and, by that time, the 105th game in series history was liberated of suspense. The Hurricane finished with 19 turnovers and never got closer than 13 points in the second half.

OSU point guard Byron Eaton said Ford challenged the 3-0 Cowboys to perform well in a "statement" game. They played their best game of the young season against the best opponent they have faced.

Ford issued the challenge out of respect for Tulsa, a team he believes will be in the NCAA Tournament.

"For us to come out and win the game we did, I don't want to say it surprised our team a little bit, but it surprised me a little bit," Ford said.

"That all goes back not because of who we are, because I still don't know how good we are. But I think Tulsa is very, very good."

Tulsa, which won the inaugural CBI championship last season, fell to 1-1.

"Give Oklahoma State a lot of credit," TU coach Doug Wojcik said. "Byron Eaton was absolutely terrific tonight."

Eaton scored 26 points and dished seven assists, matching his career-high total for combined points and assists. He had 25 points and eight assists in a victory over Baylor last season.

Ford said the Cowboys put in some plays especially for this game. He wanted to put the ball in Eaton's hands and take advantage of mismatches in pick-and-roll situations. By bringing center Ibrahima Thomas outside to screen for Eaton, that lured TU 7-footer Jerome Jordan (who was guarding Thomas) away from the basket.

"We found something they couldn't stop," Eaton said.

OSU got to the rim so often in halfcourt settings and transition that the Cowboys attempted only 14 3-pointers, 22 fewer than in an exhibition game against Langston.

Only six TU opponents have shot 50 percent or better against the Hurricane in Wojcik's 100 games as head coach and OSU was efficient enough to almost become the seventh. The Cowboys shot 49.2 percent, getting 18 points each from Ibrahima Thomas and James Anderson.

OSU finished five points shy of a series scoring record (TU got 96 in 1989) and the Cowboys secured their second-highest point total in series history (they got 93 on three previous occasions).

Ben Uzoh scored 20 points for the second consecutive game to lead TU. Ford called Uzoh one of the best guards he has seen. Glenn Andrews, who scored 11 points, was the only other Hurricane player in double figures.

OSU improved to 69-36 all-time against Tulsa.

The Cowboys have a seven-game series winning streak in Stillwater. TU's last victory in Stillwater was 1985, when Gallagher-Iba Arena was Gallagher Hall.OSU up next: Vs. Grambling, 3 p.m. Sunday, KFAQ am1170, KRVT am1270. TU up next: Vs. TAMU-CC, 3 p.m. Sunday, KRMG am740



Jimmie Tramel 581-8389
jimmie.tramel@tulsaworld.com
By JIMMIE TRAMEL World Sports Writer

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RebelWolf, Tulsa (11/21/2008 6:51:22 AM)
Apparently the Basketball team has been watching the football team and is going to follow their lead and choke when it comes to playing big games. Or was it the fact it was a road game that intimidated our players? Sadly, it looks like more of the same for Hurricane fans in both sports.
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omar, (11/21/2008 7:56:31 AM)
Disappointed Yes ! Giving up on our team HELL NO !
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Bixby Jeff, (11/21/2008 9:09:03 AM)
Last night, watching the game on TV was my first look at the Travis Ford-led Cowboys and I have to say I am impressed! I hope TU is as good as people say they are, because OSU made them look pretty bad in the first half. The only way the Cowboys could have looked better in that first half is if the game was broadcase in HD!
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Dr. Strangelove, Tulsa (11/21/2008 9:54:45 AM)
Agreed Jeff- I'm impressed so far
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wk, (11/21/2008 10:42:34 AM)
If the Hurricane are any good (which I have my doubts), the Cowboys are awesome (which I have my doubts).
 

 
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