McGriff Shines in Upset Victory against Kansas

Cameron McGriff’s second-half heroics weren’t enough for a victory Tuesday against TCU, but an increased role Saturday against Kansas was a big reason the Cowboys left Allen Fieldhouse with an 84-79 victory.

McGriff earned his fourth start of the season and didn’t take a seat until there were fewer than two minutes remaining in the first half. He was on the court for 38 minutes, tied with Jeffrey Carroll for a team-high.

McGriff was one of Mike Boynton’s most reliable scorers, contributing 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting. Two of those points came on this absurd, double-clutch putback jam.

HOLY PUTBACK! @OSUMBB'S Cam McGriff is insanely athletic. pic.twitter.com/2gqN9Ea3VY

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) February 3, 2018

This dunk late in the second half extended OSU’s lead to double digits.

SLAM CAM!!!!!!!! ?@cameron_mcgriff is working tonight!!! #LetsWork ?? pic.twitter.com/cZ7FyHLXkO

— Cowboy Basketball (@OSUMBB) February 3, 2018

He also added nine rebounds, three steals and two blocks. McGriff seems to always bring an abundance of energy to the court, and he plays with a high level of basketball IQ. He took six free throws, nailing five of them. Add the fact that he had only two turnovers, and you have a complete, relatively error-free game for the sophomore.

The performance comes only four days after his breakout game against TCU, when McGriff had 11 points, four blocks and four steals against the Horned Frogs in 34 minutes.

With Tavarius Shine’s extended absence, McGriff’s role should continue to expand. He has more than justified Boynton’s decision to give him more playing time.