Gallagher-Iba Arena Showdown: Oklahoma State Cowboys vs New Orleans Privateers
As the Oklahoma State Cowboys gear up to face the New Orleans Privateers at Gallagher-Iba Arena, fans are eager for what promises to be an electrifying game. The Cowboys, coming off a mixed bag of recent performances, have shown both resilience and areas needing improvement that could be pivotal in their upcoming clash.
In their last outing on November 17 against Notre Dame's Fighting Irish, the Cowboys fell just short in overtime with a final score of 64-66. Despite this loss, there were positive takeaways; notably, they managed to secure 38 rebounds and convert 73 percent of their free throws. However, a glaring concern was their three-point percentage which stood at a mere 20 percent. This lack of long-range efficiency could prove costly if not addressed.
The previous game on November 16 saw the Cowboys also scoring 64 points against St. Bonaventure's Bonnies but again falling short by two points with a final scoreline mirroring their last game's outcome. Their field goal percentage improved slightly to around 44 percent and they made strides in assists with 16 successful passes leading to scores. Yet turnovers remained an issue as they gave up possession on 14 occasions.
However, it was the performance against Sam Houston State Bearkats on November 12 that showcased what OKST is truly capable of when firing on all cylinders. Dominating with an impressive score of 85-70 at home, they boasted a formidable three-point shooting percentage over half at approximately 52 percent and displayed strong defensive prowess with five blocks and six steals.
The key for OKST lies in replicating this high-caliber play; maintaining defensive intensity while improving shot selection from beyond the arc will be crucial against UNO. The Privateers should not be underestimated as any opponent has the potential to upset if taken lightly.
Looking ahead to November 21st's matchup set for an evening tip-off at Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater – fans can catch all the action live on ESPN+. With home-court advantage and lessons learned from recent games, OKST has every opportunity to harness its strengths and come out victorious if they execute effectively and play cohesively as seen during their triumph over SHSU earlier this month.