What a day.
I mean, we are truly in the midst of an absolutely mad March.
At this point everyone is aware of COVID-19 and all of the precautions being taken in lieu of the virus. It’s crawled into literally every facet of our lives such that it is impossible to not be aware of it.
Sandwiched in between the Big 12 announcing that fans would not be allowed after the first night of their annual tournament and the NBA announcing that their season would be suspended, the Cowboys won a stressful but exhilarating game in Kansas City.
Isaac Likekele refused to let the Pokes fall, and it provided Cowboy fans a moment of euphoria in the midst of anxious times. In the end, that’s the beauty of sport right? It allows us an escape from a difficult world. And escape OSU did.
After fighting for and clinging to a two-point lead at the half, the Cowboys fell behind by as many as ten before Isaac “Ice” Likekele gave them a one-point lead two different times in the final 21 seconds. Only seconds after a defensive breakdown would allow for an easy ISU dunk, Ice raced down the floor to lay in a dagger with five seconds remaining. This time, the slim margin would stick.
COWBOYS WIN ‼️‼️‼️ pic.twitter.com/mpBqVML3bm
— Boone Pickens State © (@BP_State) March 12, 2020
This finish was made possible by fantastic awareness to get the ball in quickly by Freshman Avery Anderson III and some strategic positioning from Yor Anei to lead the way. Preceding this possession was a clutch offensive board by Anei to get Ice to the free throw line.
Coach Boynton shouting out @averyanderson3_ for his play down the stretch. #Big12MBB | #GoPokes pic.twitter.com/Qym1b8gnAi
— Cowboy Basketball (@OSUMBB) March 12, 2020
That’s kinda the story of this game. A lot of players chipping in to help Ice carry the Cowboys to victory. Cam McGriff kept up his elevated play with another strong 17 point, 6 rebound, 2 steal night. Anei added an efficient 12 points on 7 shots and 5 rebounds. But Isaac Likekele’s 21 points on 14 shots with 5 boards, 9 assists, 3 steals, 2 clutch free throws, 1 dagger streak and finish to win the game, and a bunch of straight up grit willed his Cowboys to victory.
It’s been a crazy week, and it culminated in this crazy day. The Cowboys are scheduled to play Kansas tomorrow at 1:30 PM CST, but at this point who knows how this plays out. But however it ends, I’m proud of this team. I’m proud of these seniors who have been through almost literally anything imaginable. I’m proud of their heart, their will, and their loyalty. In a season marred by questions and uncertainty, they’ve fought to make us all proud to be Cowboys.
Thanks for the escape, now keep surviving and advancing.