Field Level Media
Jan 9, 2021
Isaac Likekele and Rondel Walker each had 15 points as Oklahoma State defeated short-handed Kansas State 70-54 in Big 12 action on Saturday in Manhattan, Kan.
It was the most lopsided win of the season in conference play for Oklahoma State (8-3, 2-3). The Cowboys' first four Big 12 games were decided by an average of 3.0 points, including their three losses by a total of seven points.
OSU star Cade Cunningham, who came into the game leading the conference with 19.3 points per game, was held to just five points. He made his only field goal of the game, a 3-pointer, with 4:56 remaining.
The Wildcats (5-8, 1-4) played without starting point guard Nijel Pack, and forwards Antonio Gordon, Kaosi Ezeagu, Montavious Murphy and Seryee Lewis due to injury or COVID protocol. Starting forward Davion Bradford played only 12 minutes because of foul trouble.
The Wildcats played only seven players, including walk-on Joe Petrakis who had six points in 15 minutes.
The Cowboys also got 14 points from Kalib Boone and 11 from Avery Anderson.
Kansas State was led by Mike McGuirl with 15 points and DaJuan Gordon with 14. Gordon also had 11 rebounds for his third double-double of the season.
Without a lot of depth on the front line, K-State has a severe size disadvantage. OSU held a 36-27 advantage on the boards and a 42-28 edge in points in the paint.
An 8-0 run to close the first half gave Oklahoma State its largest lead of the half at 33-24. They did it despite getting only two free throws from Cunningham. The Cowboys were led by Likekele with eight points. The Wildcats were led by Rudi Williams with seven points.
The Cowboys out-rebounded the Wildcats 21-14 and held an 18-12 advantage on points in the paint in the first half. Oklahoma State hit 42.9 percent of its shots, while K-State managed only 34.5 percent.
--Field Level Media