Oklahoma State has a new look with its new coach.

On Saturday, OSU took to the podium for the first time under Steve Lutz in an exhibition against SMU. The Cowboys won 89-78 and played well against another power conference team.

Even though the game had no significance, the Cowboys’ win was an encouraging sign. After going 12-20 last season, OSU is hoping its new coach and mostly new roster can make this season different.

Interesting stats from OSU’s win over SMU:

Against SMU, the Cowboys shot 14-of-28 from beyond the arc. While OSU shot 28 from beyond the arc a few times last season, it only made more than 14 3-pointers in three games, and all were non-conference games.

Even though SMU is a non-conference opponent and this game does not count, it is important to show the ability to knock down outside shots against a power conference team. If OSU can play a modern game and shoot the ball consistently from behind the arc, it could have a better offense than any season in Mike Boynton’s tenure.

In addition to scoring 89 points and shooting from outside, OSU also took care of the ball. The Cowboys’ offense was fluid and finished the game with just seven turnovers.

OSU also allowed just six points off those turnovers. If the Cowboys can generally take care of the ball and play well defensively after turning the ball over, they could make a splash this season.

Only two of OSU’s seven turnovers were live ball turnovers, leading to zero fast break points for SMU. Although the goal is to hold on to the ball, a dead ball turnover is the least costly turnover.

Thompson, who missed the last 11 games of the 2023-24 season, was back on the field on Saturday. In his first game in nearly nine months, Thompson scored 24 points on 9/12 shooting.

Perhaps the most encouraging part of his performance was his outside shooting. While OSU shot well overall, Thompson led the way, shooting 5-for-5 from 3-point range.

In 18 games last season, Thompson scored in double figures nine times but never scored more than 20 goals. His five outside points are a season-high in 2023-24, and he could match that number if he can be an effective scorer for the Cowboys. a positive effect.

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