Notebook: Oklahoma State Hits Triple Digits Again, Rolls New Orleans 117-72

Now that’s more like it. Oklahoma State played it’s most complete game of the young 2016-2017 season, rolling over the University of New Orleans Privateers, 117-72. The offense was crisp, the ball movement was drastically improved, and the Cowboys lit it up from 3, shooting 44 percent. Defensively, the Cowboys forced 23 turnovers, tallied 12 steals, 6 blocks, and out-rebounded the Privateers 47-29. Let’s go to the notes.

• Leyton Hammonds absolutely could not miss in the first half, propelling the Cowboys out to an early lead. He had 13 points and 9 boards at the half, and finished with 15 points and 13 boards. His development as a fourth scoring option to go with Phil Forte, Jawun Evans, and Jeff Carroll is key for this team’s NCAA tournament chances. He’s the X factor for this team moving forward.

• 53.5 percent — that’s what the Cowboys shot as a team from the floor tonight. It doesn’t hurt when you shoot 44 percent from 3, but there was much better ball movement and more aggression from the guards in taking the ball to the hole against the less athletic and smaller Privateers.

• Mitch Solomon had his best game so far, which actually isn’t saying much at all. He finished with 7 points and 6 boards, but even more impressive inside was …

• … True freshman Lucas N’Guessan. The 7-footer from the Netherlands was a maniac in the paint tonight, totaling 11 points, 6 boards, a block and affecting many more shots. He also played almost the entire second half — could The Flying Dutchman be playing his way into the mix for a starting spot?

• Speaking of freshmen starting, Lindy Waters III balled out again tonight. He was 3 o/4 from the field, 11 points, 3 rebounds. He played very efficiently and looked more than deserving of his starting spot. If he continues to produce at the 3, the Cowboys can bring Jeffrey Carroll off the bench — a lethal offensive weapon most teams in the Big 12 do not have. By the way, another 14 points on 4/6 shooting for Clip tonight.

• Brandon Averette shot just 1-8 from the floor, but controlled the game nicely at the point for most of the second half. He drove the ball to the hole and got fouled often, went 6/6 from the charity stripe, and dished out 3 assists. Averette will give the Cowboys some quality minutes this year when Jawun needs a blow.

• OSU 117 points. That’s the sixth-most points ever scored in OSU history. OSU is also currently the only team in the country to to score 100 in each of its first three games.

• We even got a Davon Dillard sighting tonight! The talented sophomore forward contributed 7 points, 2 rebounds, a steal, and couple deflections in his first taste of action this year. The former four-star recruit has immense talent but has been in Brad Underwood’s doghouse — it seems he’s playing his way out of it.

• How about the team rebounding effort after their lackluster effort against Central Arkansas- the Pokes out-rebounded the Privateers 47-29 and seemed to win every 50/50 ball. A very nice response to their poor showing on Monday.

• The Cowboys also played their most complete defensive game thus far tonight. They finished with 12 steals, 6 blocks, and 23 turnovers forced. There were some lapses from the second team at moments, but overall, looked a lot more like a Brad Underwood-coached team on the defensive end.

• Next up is the Maui Invitational on Monday against the 0-2 Connecticut Huskies. They’re obviously a much better team than they have played so far, but the Cowboys looked much sharper tonight. We’ll see how it translates against a UConn team that needs a win in the worst way.