Stevenson’s late exit hurts WVU as they drop to 0-2 in Big 12 play

With 7:20 to play in the second half, Erik Stevenson gave West Virginia their first lead of the night at 53-51 as he hit his second three-pointer in as many possessions. Stevenson would then be assessed a technical foul for a celebration as he walked back down the court — his fourth foul. 

Two possessions later, Stevenson would be driving to the basket and would be called for his fifth foul. Stevenson who had a game-high 17 points, would be forced to sit for the remainder of the game.

For the remaining 5:57 of Monday night’s game, the Mountaineers would be outscored 13-5, as Oklahoma State beat West Virginia 67-60, dropping the Mountaineers to 0-2 in Big 12 play. 

West Virginia looked headed towards their second straight loss early on Monday as they could not find any rhythm offensively. Stevenson got West Virginia on the board with a long jumper, but West Virginia trailed 13-4 with 11:15 to play in the first half. 

The offensive woes continued throughout the rest of the half, with the Mountaineers entering the locker room trailing 31-22. West Virginia went 14 for 29 from the field in the first half, while going 2 for 9 from beyond the arc, and turning the ball over 11 times. 

Emmitt Matthews who picked up two personal fouls within the first 4:02 of the first half returned to action in the second half, scoring five early points in the second half. 

Matthews cut the lead down to nine with 16:26 to play, allowing West Virginia to creep back into the game. Trailing by nine with 13:25 to play, West Virginia went on a 6-0 run with four points coming at the free throw line. The Mountaineers would trail 42-39, with 11:43 to play, but the Cowboys would respond with a three-pointer to put their lead back to six. 

West Virginia would then trail by seven before Stevenson scored nine points for West Virginia on three three-pointers, to put them ahead. 

After Stevenson’s absence Kalib Boone took over for Oklahoma State, scoring six points in the final 4:54 of play. Boone finished with 10 points and six rebounds. Bryce Thompson led all Oklahoma State scorers with 15 points, while for West Virginia Tre Mitchell had a 16-point and seven-rebound performance.