Oklahoma State is seeking a trip to the quarterfinal round of the NIT for the second consecutive year.
But its hopes for victory could hinge on who is on the court for the second-seeded Cowboys (20-14) Sunday night against third-seeded Wichita State (23-11) in Stillwater, Okla.
Three players, including leading scorer Anthony Roy (17.2 points per game), were suspended for Oklahoma State’s 84-80 opening round win over Davidson.
Vyctorius Miller, as well as Isaiah Coleman, also didn’t play due to their suspensions, which were for a violation of team rules. It’s uncertain if those two, or Roy, will be available against the Shockers.
“I haven’t decided yet. We’re still working through the process,” head coach Steve Lutz told reporters. “They’ve got to meet the standards and the expectations of the program. And they’re working towards that right now.”
The Shockers are coming off a 74-70 win over Wyoming in the opening round thanks to a 17-point, 14-rebound effort from TJ Williams, who is averaging 8.5 points and 4.8 rebounds per game and takes pressure off Kenyon Giles.
“We put the ball in his hands there and let him operate,” head coach Paul Mills said. “We needed a second playmaker. His assertiveness at the rim was terrific.”
Giles scored 15 in Tuesday’s win despite shooting only 5 of 17 from the floor and is averaging 19.1 points per outing.
Giles agreed that Williams is someone the Shockers can count on.
“You can trust this guy down the stretch,” Giles said.
Oklahoma State had only eight active players in its first round win due to the suspensions and injuries but showed it has others it can count on as well, including Kanye Clary, who poured in 20 points.
Daniel Guetta finished with 11 and became the 12th player this season to score in double figures in a game. He had played for a total of 18 minutes since New Year’s.
The Cowboys and Shockers are meeting in the NIT for the second straight year. Oklahoma State won 89-79 last season at home in the first round.
