The veterans on the Oklahoma State men’s basketball team refused to repeat history.
Isaac Likekele, a sophomore point guard, recalled how the Cowboys had dropped close games during the past season because of a few crucial plays.
That didn’t happen Wednesday night.
The Cowboys escaped Oral Roberts’ late comeback to win their season opener 80-75 in Gallagher-Iba Arena. Although all six available newcomers swapped into the frequently-changing lineup, they leaned on experienced Cowboys to fend off the Golden Eagles down the stretch.
Coach Mike Boynton relied on his starting lineup of sophomores Likekele and Yor Anei along with seniors Lindy Waters III, Cameron McGriff and Thomas Dziagwa in critical second-half situations.