Oklahoma State University Athletics
Oklahoma State Looks To Build Upon Fast Start
December 14, 1999 | Cowboy Basketball
Dec. 14, 1999
STILLWATER, Okla. - After seven straight wins, Oklahoma State hopes to continue its offensive success when it faces Alcorn State.
Oklahoma State (7-0) earned its latest win by beating San Diego State, 97-63, Sunday. After jumping out to a commanding 47-19 first-half lead, the Cowboys lost some intensity in the second half, letting the Aztecs climb back into the game.
"Well, I think we've got a lot of room for improvement," coach Eddie Sutton said. "I think we've just got to get to a point where we do a better job over an extended period of time. We play in spurts, it seems to me. We've got to get that corrected."
Despite Sutton's concerns, the 14th-ranked Cowboys have had no trouble scoring and are tied for third in the nation, averaging 88.0 points per game.
Oklahoma State point guard Doug Gottlieb had his sixth double-digit assist game of the season, finishing with 14 assists and nine points. Forward Desmond Mason added 20 points on 8-for-14 shooting.
"I think we are coming along well as far as our offense is concerned. We are moving much more fluidly," Gottlieb said. "Guys are hitting shots and playing well together, and that's all you can ask for."
Gottlieb is second in the nation in assists, averaging 11.6 per game.
Oklahoma State is off to its best start since going 11-0 to begin the 1997-98 season.
After winning two straight games, Alcorn State (3-3) suffered a setback on Saturday, losing to LSU 71-64. The Braves were led by forward Brian Adams, who scored 16 points, all in the second half.
Alcorn State was picked to repeat as Southwestern Athletic Conference champion. The Braves were a SWAC power in the 1970s and 1980s, winning seven regular-season championships and five tournament titles between 1979 and 1986. They finished 23-7 last season and 14-2 in the SWAC on their way to an NCAA tournament bid.
