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Oklahoma State Basketball: Initial Texas reactions at halftime

By Andrew Miller

Feb 8, 2017; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Jeffrey Carroll (30) reacts after a play against the Baylor Bears during the second half of a NCAA basketball game at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Baylor won 72-69. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2017; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Jeffrey Carroll (30) reacts after a play against the Baylor Bears during the second half of a NCAA basketball game at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Baylor won 72-69. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Oklahoma State basketball team carried a 38-33 lead into halftime at Gallagher-Iba Arena against the Texas Longhorns today.

The Oklahoma State basketball team takes on the Texas Longhorns today at Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater. Both teams own a record of 4-7 in the Big 12 this season. This game was back and fourth in the first half, as both teams are battling to stay alive not only in the Big 12 but the NCAA Tournament as well.

The Horns have played the Pokes extremely tough in both meetings this season. The last time these two teams met the Horns came up victorious 82-79 in Austin. Yet, OK State is one of the hottest teams in the Big 12 right now while the Horns have played better in recent games but still own a record of 10-14. OK State carried a 38-33 lead into halftime. Yet, the Pokes controlled the majority of the game and it seems like the Cowboys should be winning by more.

Now, let’s take a look at the initial halftime reactions between the Oklahoma State Cowboys and the Texas Longhorns.

Gallagher-Iba Arena in rocking again

Even if you’re watching the game on TV, you can tell that Gallagher-Iba Arena is a different place than it was last season. Head coach Brad Underwood instilled a new atmosphere in Stillwater that has the look of how OK State basketball used to be.

Each time the Pokes drew a turnover and scored in transition the place exploded. It’s a beautiful thing to see for any OK State basketball fan.

Jawun Evans and Phil Forte are still the spark plugs

OK State has a ton of talented freshman in their rotation. Brandon Averette, Lindy Waters III, Cameron McGriff, and Lucas N’Guessan are key pieces coming off the bench for the Pokes. Yet, you can still see the growing pains for the younger players on the team.

Sophomore point guard Jawun Evans has been the spearhead of the Cowboy attack all season. When he goes, the Cowboys go, when he’s off the court, you can see the difference.

Senior shooting guard Phil Forte is one of the best shooters in the Big 12 and he is essential to the floor spacing for the OK State offense. Forte and Evans finished the first half with 18 points combined.

Attack Jarrett Allen

The only source of offense for the Horns is coming from freshman center Jarrett Allen. He has 12 points and five rebounds. But he has also turned the ball over three times. Allen lost his cool at the end of the first half when he was guarded by OK State’s sophomore guard Davon Dillard and threw a slight elbow at him.

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Getting Allen in foul trouble could really open up the game for the Pokes and limited the UT offense. That is a huge key to victory for Underwood and the Cowboys.

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