From Scott Polacek of B/R:
The Oklahoma State Cowboys are winners in the Big Dance for the first time in 12 years.
No. 4 Oklahoma State defeated the No. 13 Liberty Flames 69-60 in Friday’s first-round showdown of the 2021 NCAA men’s tournament at Indiana Farmers Coliseum in Indianapolis. Avery Anderson III led the way in the Midwest Region for the victors, who won their first NCAA tournament game since the 2008-09 season.
Cade Cunningham struggled throughout at 3-of-14from the field and 2-of-8from deep, but Oklahoma State’s team defense was too much for Liberty.
A solid showing from Elijah Cuffee was not enough for the Flames, who were unable to pull off the first-round upset like they did in 2019 against Mississippi State.
What’s Next?
The Cowboys will face the 12th-seeded Oregon State Beavers in Sunday’s second-round clash after the Pac-12 representative upset the fifth-seeded Tennessee Volunteers.
