STILLWATER, Okla. – In a riveting encounter, Oklahoma State defeated Wichita State 89-79 on March 18, 2025, in the opening round of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), effectively ending the Shockers' season with a 19-15 record.
Oklahoma State, improving to 16-17, will advance to the second round where they will face the winner of the upcoming matchup between SMU and Northern Iowa.
Bryce Thompson was the standout player for Oklahoma State, scoring a team-high 23 points and playing a pivotal role in setting the tone early on. "I was just feeling good," Thompson said after the game, reflecting on his impactful performance that helped his team secure the win.
The game was notable for both teams, featuring several impressive runs and dynamic plays. Wichita State kicked off the game strong, initially taking a 16-10 lead, thanks to good early showings from Quincy Ballard and Corey Washington. However, Oklahoma State responded fiercely. The Cowboys went on a 10-0 run to take their first lead, marking the beginning of a tightly contested battle.
Despite the early momentum from the Shockers, they quickly found themselves trailing by as much as 15 points due to a staggering 27-6 run by Oklahoma State in the first half. By halftime, the Cowboys were in control, leading 40-35.
Wichita State, refusing to back down, mounted a strong comeback at the start of the second half, scoring the first seven points to reclaim the lead at 42-40. It was a brief respite for Wichita, as Oklahoma State quickly retaliated with a 15-2 run, building their advantage further.
Corey Washington contributed significantly for Wichita State, recording 21 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, while Ballard added 19 points and 15 rebounds, marking his 10th double-double of the season. Yet, it was not enough. The Shockers struggled with their bench production throughout the night, being outscored 11-0 in the first half alone. This disparity proved crucial as the game wore on.
Commenting on his team's struggles, Wichita State coach Paul Mills noted, "You can’t give up 89 points and win a basketball game," a testament to the defensive challenges his team faced.
Oklahoma State's ability to capitalize on offensive rebounds played a sizeable role in their victory, gathering 17 offensive boards and scoring 21 points off those second chances. Balanced scoring from their roster kept the energy high, with contributions coming from Jamyron Keller and Khalil Brantley, each netting 12 points, while Abou Ousmane scored 13 points. The team's collective effort, with Brandon Newman providing key rebounds and defense, earned them the right to move forward in the tournament.
The game was also an opportunity for Oklahoma State to support local relief efforts. A pre-game initiative provided free tickets to first responders and collected donations for wildfire relief efforts affecting the Stillwater area, showcasing the community spirit that accompanied the match.
After the hard-fought game, coach Steve Lutz praised his players, stating, "I appreciate them and their character and their resolve. There’s a lot of teams across the country that would have just packed it in." His words underscored the resilience that characterized the team's season, especially after starting 2-7 in the Big 12.
Looking ahead, Oklahoma State now turns its focus to the next round of the tournament, ready to face either SMU or Northern Iowa, with hopes of extending their postseason run. Meanwhile, Wichita State's offseason begins with a sour taste as they reflect on a season cut short by a determined and powerful NIT campaign.
