OSU Wraps up Non-Conference with Win Over UTSA

Originally Published: Jan 3, 2011 9:34 PM CDT

Layna Dewell
Oklahoma Sports Staff

STILLWATER, Oklahoma—The Oklahoma State Cowboys put together an improved second half to beat the Texas-San Antonio 79-63.

OSU entered the game looking to rebound from their largest loss of the season on New Year’s Eve against Gonzaga.

The Cowboys had the advantage most of the way through the first, but UTSA’s first half three point shooting kept them in the game.

The Roadrunners (6-6) who are coached by former OSU star Brooks Thompson,shot an impressive 70 percent from behind the arc in the first half. Melvin Johnson was 4-of-4 from three point land for UTSA which helped the Roadrunners cut a ten point deficit in half by the halftime break.

Oklahoma State (12-2) shot a mere 16.7 percent from behind the arc in the first half and struggled defensively.

On the way to the locker room, OSU head coach Travis Ford was not shy in saying “we’re playing terrible defense?that’s the biggest adjustment we need to make.”

UTSA used the first five and a half minutes of the second half to cut the lead to one, which got the Cowboys attention.

OSU usednearly the next10 minutes to go on a 24-4 run and put the game away.

OSU was led by Jean-Paul Olukemi who scored 16 points and grabbed four rebounds. The Cowboys also had six players in double figures including Marshall Moses who totaled 14 and Roger Dowell with 12.

Johnson came off the bench to be UTSA’s leading scorer with 16 points and five rebounds.

As a team OSU managed 60.9 percent shooting from the floor and was 90.0 percent from the free throw line.

Next up for Oklahoma State is their first conference matchup against Kansas State Saturday at Noon CT on ESPN.