Stillwater, OK (Sports Network) - The Oklahoma State Cowboys close out a six-
game homestand on Monday afternoon when they entertain the Gonzaga Bulldogs at
Gallagher-Iba Arena.
After a 9-0 start to the season, Gonzaga dropped a battle of Top-25 teams to
Illinois on its home floor on Dec. 8, 85-74. Since then however, the Bulldogs
have bounced back with three straight wins over Kansas State (68-52), Campbell
(74-52), and most recently against Baylor last Friday, 94-87. They have only
played one true road game this season, but now they embark on a three-game
road swing.
Oklahoma State has been able to maintain its status among the nationally
ranked by winning 10 of its first 11 games, highlighted by impressive verdicts
over Tennessee (62-45), NC State (76-56) and South Florida (61-49). Although
the Cowboys have won each of their games on this homestand, they haven't been
challenged by a quality opponent in weeks, having defeated Missouri State
(62-42), Central Arkansas (91-63), Texas-Arlington (69-44) and Tennessee Tech
(78-42) in their last four matchups.
These two teams have played four times in the past eight seasons, with the
Bulldogs winning each matchup, including a 2010 New Year's Eve showdown in
Spokane, 73-52.
Gonzaga's contest against Baylor was a shootout, especially in the second half
when the teams combined for 110 points, but the Zags were able to outlast the
Bears by shooting 52.5 percent from the floor and 23-of-34 from the foul line.
Kevin Pangos went off for a season-high 31 points thanks to a hot night
shooting from beyond the arc (7-of-10). Kelly Olynyk was also fantastic, going
9-of-12 from the field for 21 points, while Elias Harris (17 points) and Gary
Bell, Jr. (12 points, five assists) were also impressive. The balanced effort
was no accident for the Bulldogs, who score 81.8 ppg and rank second in the
nation with a .521 field goal percentage. Elias (15.6 ppg, 7.4 rpg) and Olynyk
(15.2 ppg, 6.3 rpg, .681 FG percentage) are a powerful duo in the frontcourt,
while Pangos (11.5 ppg, 3.8 apg) and Bell, Jr. (10.6 ppg) are both strong
outside shooters. Przemek Karnowski (8.8 ppg) and Sam Dower (7.8 ppg) are
valuable role players.
Oklahoma State has been rather strong at the offensive end of the floor this
season, averaging 72.1 ppg on 44.2 percent field goal shooting, but the
biggest reason for its success has been a fantastic showing at the defensive
end as it ranks 12th in the nation in both field goal percentage (.358) and
scoring (55.5 ppg) defense. It was the same old story in the blowout win over
Tennessee Tech, as it shot nearly 50 percent from the floor while forcing its
overmatched opponent into more turnovers (20) than field goals (15). Phil
Forte saw extended time off the bench and took advantage, shooting 6-of-11
from long range for 22 points. Kamari Murphy netted 12 points, Markel Brown
and Marcus Smart each scored 11, and Kirby Gardner finished with 10 points and
seven assists. Although Le'Bryan Nash (five points) didn't get involved much
in terms of scoring, he still leads the team with 14.9 ppg. Smart, a freshman,
is one of the most versatile guards in the nation, putting up 10.9 ppg, 6.4
rpg, 5.1 apg, 2.7 spg and 1.2 bpg. Brown (14.0 ppg) and Forte (10.9 ppg) round
out a Cowboys' scoring attack loaded with options.
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