The #6 Horns (16-2, 4-0) look to continue their perfect run through the Big 12 tonight at home against the Oklahoma State Cowboys (12-6, 2-2). OSU comes into the contest on a one game losing streak. The Cowboys suffered a heartbreaking overtime loss at home to Colorado on Saturday. The Longhorns, on the other hand, are red hot having won their last eight in a row.
The Cowboys are incredibly young this season. They lost seven seniors last season and don't have a single senior on this year's team among their top ten players. Coach Eddie Sutton did sign a very good recruiting class of eight players last year. The class was ranked nationally in the top five. Newcomers included freshman Byron Eaton, junior college transfer Mario Boggan, junior college transfer Torre Johnson, and junior college transfer Jamaal Brown. All four average more than twenty minutes a game. OSU's class would have been even more outstanding had signee Gerald Green not opted for the NBA.
With all the new faces, Oklahoma State is led by a returning player with one of the best names in the country, sophomore JamesOn Curry (the O is capitalized). Curry is averaging 13 points, two rebounds, and nearly five assists per game. The Cowboys also get double digit scoring from Bogan (14 pgg, 5 rpg) and Johnson (13 ppg, 5 rpg).
As a team, OSU is shooting an impressive 51% from the floor but only hold their opponents to 44%. Texas on the other hand shoots 48% but holds opponents to a nation leading 35.9%. OSU is a decent rebounding team. They outrebound their opponents by five boards on average. Texas has been outstanding all season on the glass. The Horns outrebound their opponents by 11 per game good for third nationally.
OSU is talented but not experienced. Texas, however, is both. The Horns have looked more impressive with each outing. Look for Texas to pound the ball inside to Lamarcus Aldridge, Brad Buckman, and PJ Tucker. Neither Aldridge nor Tucker did much of anything against Baylor. Both are too good to have back to back off games. If the stellar defense continues, this could be a long night for Oklahoma State.
Oklahoma State could beat any team in the Big 12 on a given night. Unfortunately, their inexperience also allows them to drop some they should win (see Northwestern State, UAB, or Colorado). The Cowboys' inexperience will show tonight. Texas is simply playing too well for OSU to spring an upset. Texas wins again with defense, 75-60.
Game will be on ESPN Big Monday at 8 PM CST.
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