Oklahoma State vs. FGCU: 2018 NIT first round preview and prediction
By Ryan Shepard
Oklahoma State appeared to have the best case out of all the teams on the bubble, but now they are in the NIT with a matchup against FGCU approaching.
Network: ESPN2
Date: March 13th at 9:00 p.m.
Location: Gallagher-Iba Arena (Stillwater, OK)
How have the Cowboys been playing lately?
Prior to losing to the Kansas Jayhawks in the Big 12 quarterfinals, the Oklahoma State Cowboys were on a roll. Winning four out of five including wins over Texas Tech and Kansas, the Cowboys looked to have a strong NCAA Tournament resume. Having adjusted to the reality of being left out of the big dance, the Cowboys look to be hungry and motivated for an NIT run.
How have the Eagles been playing lately?
Before losing Lipscomb in the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament Championship, the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles won 16 of their previous 18 games. In fact, the Eagles have truly only lost one half of basketball in their final 19 outings. Outscored 60-31 in the first half of their games against Lipscomb, the Eagles outscored Lipscomb 65-48 in the second half before coming up just short of completing an incredible run to the tournament. If the Eagles can avoid a tough half like they had against Lipscomb, don’t be surprised if they give Oklahoma State trouble.
Key Player to Watch: Zachary Johnson
When everyone was struggling against Lipscomb in the conference championship game, FGCU guard, Zachary Johnson, came up huge. Scoring 37 points against Lipscomb and scoring above his season average in six of his last eight games, Johnson is starting to emerge as the spark plug that the Eagles will need to take down the Cowboys.
Even though Oklahoma State is bound to be the heavy favorite in this game, they struggled in games they should have won this season. This will open the door for FGCU to hang around for the majority of the game, with the Pokes pulling away late.
Prediction: Oklahoma State, 80 – FGCU, 72