Rapid reaction: Oklahoma State takes down Texas 78-65 in Stillwater

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

Oklahoma State shook off a rough start to beat Texas 78-65 on Saturday in Stillwater. Here’s some rapid reaction:

Turning point

With less than three minutes remaining in the first half, OSU trailed 29-26. The Cowboys were sloppy (nine turnovers) and stagnant throughout the first 17 minutes and an inspired Texas team took advantage. But the Cowboys natural talent is always capable of a sudden spurt. And it came late in the first half. Le’Bryan Nash started it with a jumper, Phil Forte rained in a three and then Marcus Smart put in five points in a seven-second span (complete with a crafty steal) to finish off an 11-2 run that gave OSU, despite its struggles, a six-point halftime lead.

It was over when…

…OSU rode that momentum to a second-half blowout. The Cowboys played quick and controlled, blitzing Texas with their athleticism and playing structured enough within the offense to consistently get good shots. They are playing great basketball right now, winning 10 of the past 11, getting healthy and hitting their stride at the perfect time. It’s March 2nd and the Pokes look like a legit tourney threat.

Star of the game – Markel Brown

The highlights were incredible (see video below), but the consistent production was more important. His continued development as a shooter/playmaker has been well-documented and well-earned. But I still get the feeling people underrate the impact he’s had here in three seasons. Brown become just the 37th player in OSU history to score 1,000 career points on Saturday. And he’s still got a year left.