Cade Cunningham and Oklahoma State Basketball up against Liberty Flames
By Karl Heiser
Oklahoma State Basketball (20-8, 11-7 Big 12) enter the 2021 NCAA Tournament on a red-hot stretch, winning nine of 12 games to close the season. Mike Boynton and Co. reached the Big 12 Tournament championship game after defeating top overall seed Baylor, 83-74. They would fall to Texas in the final but proved that they were a real threat to knock off top teams.
Despite opening the conference slate 2-4, OK State played their way into the tournament field after rattling off a number of quality wins. The NCAA did not give a ruling on the appeal of their tournament ban, making them eligible for selection.
Oklahoma State Basketball has been highlighted by freshman phenom Cade Cunningham, likely the top overall selection in the 2021 NBA Draft. Cunningham’s playmaking ability has dramatically elevated the Cowboys from a good team to a dangerous one. The freshman guard is averaging 20.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists on 45.4% from the field and 41.2% from three-point range. Don’t let the assist numbers fool you – Cunningham is a next-level facilitator who can carry the Cowboys to the Final Four if things break right.
However, this team isn’t just Cade Cunningham. Head coach Mike Boynton has done a great job this year navigating a challenging Big 12 conference with heavyweights like Baylor, Texas, and Kansas on the schedule. The supporting cast is anchored by Avery Anderson, Kalib Boone, and Isaac Likekele – all solid players in their own right. The Cowboys’ cohesive play has been key to their success this season.
Oklahoma State was given the No. 4 seed in the “region of death” Midwest Region. They will face the 2021 Atlantic Sun Champions, No. 13 Liberty Flames (23-5, 11-2 ASUN). Here are three keys for a Cowboys first-round victory.