After a slow start, the Cowboys were victorious in their first preseason game versus the Stars (giggle) of OCU. Overall it turned out to be a solid performance as the Cowboys shot 47%, 21-28 (75%) from the FT line, and got 12 guys on the floor for some decent minutes (the bad news being that there were only 12 team assists on 30 made shots). There was plenty of sloppy play in the first half as guys were settling in and about a dozen different lineups were used. From the sounds of the announcers, and Coach Ford's comments after the game, it sounds like the physicality of the Stars was knocking the Cowboys off their game early.
The expected starting lineup from this afternoons post was used, with Mike Cobbins being the first sub as he came in for Darrell Williams 3 minutes into the game. The early run in the 2nd half that gave the Cowboys separation was sparked by 2 consecutive threes by Page, and continued with Penn and Page playing together in the backcourt, and a constant rotation of guys in the 3 through 5 spots.
Darrell Williams gets big game honors with a monster double-double as he totaled 15 points and 15 rebounds in 29 minutes, and also lead the team with 5 assists. Other solid performances were turned in by Keiton Page who had 21 points including 8-8 from the FT line, Jerrod Shaw had 14 points on 6 for 7 shooting (fouled out.. and received a technical foul), and Mike Cobbins who had 6 points, 6 rebounds, a steal and a block in only 15 minutes of action. And maybe the most exciting points of the night for the Pokes were the first three as they were poured in by Fred Gulley from beyond the arc... maybe his lights-out high school and practice shooting will finally transfer to real games.