Oklahoma State Basketball Upset by Abilene Christian University

The Cowboys were one of three Power Five programs to fall to a mid-major program on the opening night of college basketball.

The Oklahoma State Cowboys did not get off to a good start on the season. They opened the basketball season in Gallagher Iba Arena in Stillwater against Abilene Christian University, which ended up being a 64-59 loss. 

With the talent the Cowboys brought in this offseason, things were supposed to look better, yet they didn't. After the first half, Oklahoma State trailed by double digits with a 36-25 deficit.

It took a late second-half push to make this game close again, and that wasn't without help from Connor Dow's three 3-pointers and a solid half from Bryce Thompson.

Thompson finished with 19 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal on 8-of-15 shooting. He looked like the most seasoned player on the team, which makes sense with this younger roster.

The Cowboys won the second half 34-28, but it wasn't enough to overcome the early deficit they gave up, and they didn't kick things into gear until later in the second half.

"I feel, first and foremost, our fans deserve an apology," Oklahoma State head coach Mike Boynton said after the game. "That was not very good basketball by us. And obviously, it starts with me."

Of course, it's to be noted that the Cowboys were without three players, each of which will likely be in the rotation. Javon Small, Jamyron Keller and Isaiah Miranda were all out for the matchup.

Still, that's a game the Cowboys need to come away with, yet they didn't. 

"We can't make the excuse that we're young, because that's not changing tomorrow," Boynton continued.

Ahead of the season, the Cowboys tried to acknowledge shooting woes from a season ago. On Monday, shooting woes are what kicked them out of the game. 

The Cowboys shot 5-of-23 on 3-pointers and 8-of-20 from the free throw line. That's plenty of missed opportunities and something that swings a matchup like this one. They could never get in rhythm or get anything established offensively. 

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