Rapid reaction: Oklahoma State blasts Texas Tech 79-45 in Stillwater

By Anthony Slater – Aslater@opubco.com - @anthonyVslater

Oklahoma State rolled to an easy conference win on Saturday afternoon, beating Texas Tech 79-45 in Stillwater. Here’s some rapid reaction:

Turning point

With Marcus Smart on the bench (again) with foul trouble early in the first half, Tech had dwindled down a double-digit Oklahoma State lead to three. And it looked like a competitive game was possible. But the Cowboys, riding the hot hand of Markel Brown, closed the half on a 13-4 run, creating enough separation for a second half cruise.

It was over when…

…The Cowboys came out with a bit more energy and a lot more rhythm in the second half. Texas Tech, a floundering program still reeling from the Billy Gillispie saga, never really had a chance. And that was clear in the final 20 minutes. Dunks, threes and a whole lot of Red Raider bricks led to a blowout walk-on fest in the final five minutes.

Star of the game – Markel Brown

Want a stat to fully exhibit Markel Brown’s continued growth: Saturday’s 21-point performance was Brown’s 12th consecutive game in double-digits. Last season, when he was the Cowboys third leading scorer, Brown never had double-digits in more than two straight games. His midrange game his become lethal, his deep shot improving, his defense always there and his dunks an attraction. An underrated pro prospect who continues to impress.

Stats of note