Saturday, November 9, 2019 03:00 PM (ET)

Oklahoma State's defense stifles UMKC

Field Level Media
Nov 9, 2019

Oklahoma State held UMKC to 35.4 percent shooting, dominated the glass with a plus-14 margin and cruised to a 69-51 win Saturday in Stillwater, Okla.

The Cowboys (2-0) jumped out to a double-digit-point lead midway through the first half on back-to-back Cameron McGriff baskets. With a stifling defensive effort, the advantage never dipped below 13 points in the second half.

Yor Anei, who scored a team-high 13 points, contributed to the defensive performance with two steals. Kalib Boone came off the bench to block three shots.

Oklahoma State's length vexed the visiting Kangaroos. They shot just 17-of-48 from the floor, and 6-of-21 from behind the 3-point line. Forward Javan White scored a game-high 20 points, but he was the only Kangaroo to score in double-figures.

No other player made more than two field goals for UMKC (1-1). Marvin Nesbitt Jr. scored seven points with two made 3-pointers. He was the only Kangaroo to shoot 50 percent or better from the floor at 2-of-4 on the afternoon.

Meanwhile, Oklahoma State complemented its stingy defense with a balanced offense. McGriff and Isaac Likekele joined Anei in double-figures scoring with 12 and 10 points, respectively. McGriff also pulled down six rebounds and dished four assists, both game-highs.

Boone scored eight points off the bench, the leader of six different Cowboy reverses to score. His brother, Keylan Boone, added seven points and three rebounds. Jonathan Laurent added six points and five rebounds.

Saturday's performance marked the second of this young season in which Oklahoma State spread its scoring distribution. Five players scored in double-figures in its season-opening win on Wednesday against Oral Roberts.

Although the Cowboys kept UMKC at a double-digit distance for much of the game, the lead never grew larger than 19 points. Oklahoma State struggled from behind the 3-point line, making just 2 of 10 attempts.

--Field Level Media

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