Oklahoma State guard Jacob Walker made the most of his opportunity and looks to continue guiding the offense against Queens on Friday in Stillwater, Okla.
Walker, a Sam Houston transfer, posted eight points, eight assists and four steals in a 91-60 season-opening win over Incarnate Word on Monday.
The Cowboys (1-0) played without returning point guard Kanye Clary (groin).
“(Walker’s play) will create more competition between him and Kanye and he and Parker (Robinson),” Oklahoma State coach Steve Lutz said. “And that just makes our team stronger.”
The Cowboys had 11 players log double-digit minutes and four score at least 10 points. Oklahoma State emptied its bench after building a 54-17 halftime lead, but Walker said the Cowboys are capable of more defensively.
The Cardinals outscored the Cowboys 43-37 in the second half.
“The difference between the halves was, coming out, we had a lot to prove,” Walker said. “Everyone was in their stance, talking to each other and communicating.”
As for Clary, who averaged 10.6 points and 4.6 assists per game last season, Lutz said he is day-to-day.
“We aren’t going to rush him,” Lutz said. “… He fought through injuries last year. He deserves some credibility and leeway here.”
Meanwhile, Queens (2-0) has won its first two games after reaching the NCAA Tournament last season, where it lost to Purdue in the first round.
Friday’s game marks the second of three consecutive road contests for the Royals.
“It’s just the start of a long journey that is five months hopefully, not four months,” Queens coach Grant Leonard said.
The Royals edged Loyola Marymount 96-95 on a Jordan Watford free throw with two seconds remaining on Wednesday. Watford is averaging 23 points per game in the early going.
“You can really see the chemistry between us,” Watford said of the strong start. “We all love each other. Nobody is selfish. Everyone wants to see each other eat. That’s not something you’re going to see much of in the college basketball world.”