OSU's Pilgrim Benched for Violating Team Rules

Originally Published: Feb 24, 2010 5:50 PM CDT

John Holcomb
Oklahoma Sports Tulsa Sports Director

AUSTIN -- OSU starting forward Matt Pilgrim did not play against Texas in Austin. He’s been suspended for a violation of team rules, according to head coach Travis Ford.

It’s believed to be an isolated incident, and Pilgrim could play Saturday when the Cowboys host top-ranked Kansas, but Ford hasn’t commented on anything beyond tonight’s game.

Pilgrim had been playing his best basketball of the season during OSU’s recent 3-game win streak, and his athleticism inside was something the Cowboys were counting on against the Longhorns.

Junior forward Marshall Moses will most likely start in Pilgrim’s place when OSU and Texas tipoff at 8:00pm at the Erwin Center. Texas has won 11 of the 13 meetings there since the Big 12 was formed, with OSU’s only wins on the ‘Horns home floor coming in 2002 whn Eddie Sutton claimed his 700th career win, and in 2004.

Texas won the first matchup in Stillwater 72-60 on February 1st.