Oklahoma State Basketball Set For Another NCAA Tournament Appearance
STILLWATER, Okla. – The Oklahoma State men’s basketball program will add to its rich tradition this week when it makes its 24th appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
Oklahoma State’s game vs. Georgia Tech in the first round of the NCAA Tournament has been set for 6:15 p.m.
The Cowboys, appearing in the NCAA bracket for the 15th time in 20 years, will enter the week as the No. 7 seed in the Midwest region. Oklahoma State will face 10th-seeded Georgia Tech in the first round on Friday in Milwaukee. OSU, 22-10 on the season, would face the winner of the UC Santa Barbara-Ohio State game in the second round.
“It’s an exciting time of year to see your name called,” said second-year OSU head coach Travis Ford. “There are only 65 teams in this thing. The best teams are playing today. It’s great for us to be able to do this for Obi (Muonelo) and some of the older guys.”
Friday’s tipoff time will be announced Monday by CBS.
Oklahoma State is No. 26 all-time in NCAA Tournament appearances with its 24 trips to the championship. The Cowboys rank No. 18 all-time and second in the Big 12 Conference with 38 tournament wins. OSU’s all-time tournament record is 38-22. Oklahoma State is 20-3 all-time in its first tournament games, including four straight first-round wins, dating back to 2002.
Oklahoma State is one of seven Big 12 teams participating in the 2010 NCAA Tournament.
OSU is in the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year under Ford. Ford and the legendary Eddie Sutton are the only two OSU coaches to take the Cowboys to the NCAA Tournament in each of their first two years at the school. However, it should be noted that Henry Iba’s tenure in Stillwater predated the NCAA Tournament and at the dawning of his career, the National Invitation Tournament was the more prestigious bracket.
Quotes From Oklahoma State On Upcoming NCAA Tournament
Head Coach Travis Ford On his team’s seeding in the NCAA tournament
“There’s not a lot of difference now a days in 7, 8, 9, 10, 1 or 2. We’re happy to get a 7. I think that shows some validity to us having a pretty good season thus far.”
On facing Georgia Tech in the first round
“We’re going up against a really, really good basketball team. They’re a very well-coached team, a team that went to the Final Four not too long ago. They’re a team that’s been through the ACC, has been tested. They’re a big, athletic team.”
On what he’s seen of Georgia Tech this season
“It’s funny when you get to this time of year because I’ve watched Georgia Tech a little bit on TV. You never think about it at that point in time. I was impressed with Favors and they’ve got athletic guys who make plays. They are great in the open court. They’re a very good basketball team.”
On being back in the NCAA tournament for the second-straight year
“It’s an exciting time of the year to see your name called because there are only 65 teams in this thing. We talked to our team a lot about that today. The best teams are playing today. It’s great for us to be able to do this for Obi and some of the older guys.”
Cowboy guard James Anderson On big-name players playing well in NCAA tournament games
“It is the best stage, not only individual-wise, but team-wise, too. You get to show everybody how hard you’ve worked all season. You get to show what you started on in the preseason and have it all pay off now.”
On Team Leadership and “One Shining Moment”
“I wouldn’t just say it’s my team. Obi is the senior on the team and the captain. I’m not just trying to get into ‘One Shining Moment,’ we’re trying to win each game, one by one.”
Cowboy guard Keiton Page On facing Georgia Tech in the first round
“Some of the guys know about the history of the Georgia Tech-OSU game (2004 Final Four). I think that’s where some of the noise in the room came from. We’ve heard some chatter about the old game.”
On the 2004 Final Four
“I remember watching that game back home. I’m glad there’s a little history to this game to make it a little more fun.”
Cowboy guard Obi Muonelo On an ACC opponent
“You’ve always got something to prove every time you go out there. Basically, we’ve got to go play…play hard and be ready. I’m excited to play. We’re back in the tournament for the second time in a row. It’s a blessing. We’re here and we’re all excited about it.”
On the matchup problems he causes, according to KU coach Bill Self
“Any time you’re respected by coaches around the country, it always makes you feel good. Kansas is a nightmare to play. It’s definitely a compliment.”
Updated 03-14-2010
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