Oklahoma State University Athletics
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Texas Tech
Oklahoma State Tops Texas Tech In Semifinals, 82-77
March 18, 2004 | Cowboy Basketball
Bobik started and ended a game-turning run before halftime with 3-pointers and Oklahoma State, the Big 12 regular season champion for the first time, beat Texas Tech 82-77 in a semifinal game Saturday.
The Cowboys (26-3) will play No. 11 Texas or No. 18 Kansas in Sunday's championship game. Their only other Big 12 title game appearance was a loss to Kansas in 1999.
Oklahoma State hasn't won a conference tournament since the 1995 Big Eight championship.
After Texas Tech (22-10) cut a 15-point deficit to five in the second half, Bobik hit another 3-pointer to give Oklahoma State a 60-52 lead. The Red Raiders never got closer than five points after that.
Oklahoma State has won 16 of 17 games since an 83-62 loss to Texas Tech at Lubbock on Jan. 10.
John Lucas led Oklahoma State with 22 points, including four 3-pointers, for his third straight 20-point game. Ivan McFarlin had 19 points, Joey Graham 16, and Tony Allen 13.
While Bobik's three 3-pointers accounted for all of his points, each was big.
Bobik's 3 off an inbound pass put Oklahoma State ahead 30-28, and started a 14-1 run over the final 4:25 of the first half. On the final shot of the first half, he hit another one for a 41-29 halftime lead.
As Bobik's half-ending shot went through the basket, he stumbled back on the ground. Laying on his back, he pumped both fists in the air before being surrounded by his teammates.
One of the league's top 3-point shooters at 43 percent during the regular season, Bobik had made just 6-of-28 his last seven games. He made just one of six in Oklahoma State's quarterfinal win over Iowa State.
Andre Emmett had 26 points and Devonne Giles 20 for the Red Raiders, who lost in the Big 12 semifinals for the third straight year. Mikey Marshall, who had a career-high 23 on Friday, had 12 points.
Texas Tech appears certain to go the NCAA tournament for the second time in three seasons under Bob Knight. The Red Raiders played in the NIT last year and reached the semifinals.
After Allen tipped in a missed 3-pointer by Lucas with just under 16 minutes left, the Cowboys led 52-37.
Texas Tech then made its biggest push with nine straight points, starting with Emmett's short bank shot and free throw after being fouled. After Giles moved inside for a basket, Ronald Ross scored again to get the Red Raiders within 52-46.
Less than a minute later, Oklahoma State was back in front by 11 after Allen's third-effort layup and Lucas' steal that led to a layup.
Texas Tech got within five twice after that, but Bobik had his last 3-pointer and Allen consecutive baskets the next time.
The Red Raiders scored the game's first five points and had an 18-11 lead, before Oklahoma State tied the game with seven straight points, getting even on Graham's basket with 10:36 left.
However, the Cowboys didn't take their first lead until Allen's baseline drive and free throw gave them a 27-26 edge.
