Oklahoma State basketball: Injury report worsens

After Ford called Le'Bryan Nash's performance against Akron perhaps the best of his young career, the sophomore forward backed it up with another strong outing against Tennessee.

Nash scored 17 points, grabbed five rebounds and got to the foul line, where he made 11 of 13 free throws. More than that, he was good on the defensive end, where he even played the low post at times in the second half.

SMART FILLING BIG ROLE

Much was expected of freshman Marcus Smart when arrived as a touted recruit.

And so far Smart is delivering, including major minutes.

Smart scored 17 points, grabbed a game-high nine rebounds and handed out three assists, with two steals. He also played 37 minutes, after going 32 in the tournament opener.

“I knew I was going to be playing big minutes for this team,” Smart said. “Coach Ford told me. This is what I've been working for.”