Bryce Williams scored 21 points and had five rebounds to lead Oklahoma State to a thrilling 78-77 overtime victory over host Oral Roberts in Tulsa, Okla. on Friday.
Oklahoma State (6-1) survived the road upset and picked up its fifth consecutive victory as Williams delivered a clutch performance late in the game.
The Golden Eagles (3-3), one of the Cinderella teams of last year’s NCAA Tournament when they reached the Sweet 16, nearly delivered some magic again led by Max Abmas, who totaled 29 points on 10 of 22 shooting including 7 of 12 from 3-point range.
Trailing 78-75, Kareem Thompson’s layup with 46 seconds cut the deficit to one for the Golden Eagles. Oral Roberts had a chance to win the game as time expired. But Trey Phipps’ three-pointer fell short and Oklahoma State hung on for the victory.
After Oral Roberts took a 75-74 lead with 2:18 left in overtime, Williams hit back-to-back shots to put OSU ahead 78-75.
DeShang Weaver’s layup with 35 seconds left in regulation tied the game at 72. But Weaver missed the ensuing free throw.
Weaver scored 20 points and finished with seven rebounds and four blocks. The Golden Eagles shot 13 of 33 from 3-point range, while Oklahoma State struggled from long distance, making just 2 of its 16 attempts from beyond the arc.
Keylan Boone had a chance to win for the Cowboys with two seconds left in regulation but missed a jumper from the top of the key.
Isaac Likekele finished with 13 points and nine rebounds and kept the Cowboys in the game after Oral Roberts led by as many as nine points in the second half.
Kalib Boone totaled 11 points and the Cowboys had five players finish with six or more rebounds as OSU outrebounded Oral Roberts 51-37 overall and 17-6 on the offensive glass.
Francis Lacis finished with 13 points, seven rebounds and five assists, but fouled out of the game late in regulation.
–Field Level Media
