Big 12 men’s basketball roundup: K-State rolls; Mizzou falls

By Associated Press     Feb 3, 2011

Kansas State guard Jacob Pullen (0) breaks into the lane past Nebraska guard Drake Beranek (31) during the second half Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011, in Manhattan, Kan. Kansas State defeated Nebraska 69-53.

Kansas State 69, Nebraska 53

Manhattan — With Bramlage Coliseum silent for Jacob Pullen’s free throws, a Nebraska fan took the opportunity to scream, “Shave your beard!”

There may have been times in a frustrating season when Pullen and the Wildcats would have been willing to do anything — maybe even remove trademark facial hair — to change their fortunes. But that was not the case on Wednesday night.

“I feel bad we haven’t had the success we wanted this season,” Kansas State coach Frank Martin said. “It’s coming.”

Pullen scored 18 points and Curtis Kelly had 16 to lead Kansas State (15-8, 3-5 Big 12). Rodney McGruder added 10.

Lance Jeter had 16 points to lead Nebraska (15-6, 3-4), and Jorge Brian Diaz had 10.

The Cornhuskers, who fell to 0-4 in road games, were plagued by a season-high 22 turnovers.

Martin was happy about the number, saying, “Our attention to detail defensively was big time.”

Nebraska coach Doc Sadler was not nearly as happy.

“It was the worst effort we’ve had,” Sadler said, searching for the correct comparison, “since the Oklahoma game my first year (2006-07).”

Oklahoma State 76, No. 14 Missouri 70

Stillwater, Okla. — Darrell Williams scored 15 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead Oklahoma State to a victory over Missouri.

Jean-Paul Olukemi and Keiton Page each scored 19 for the Cowboys (15-7, 3-5 Big 12), who ended a three-game losing streak.

Missouri (17-5, 3-4) lost its fourth consecutive league road game after arriving in Stillwater just six hours prior to tip-off due to travel issues. Marcus Denmon and Matt Pressey each scored 15 points to lead the Tigers. Ricardo Ratliffe added 13 before fouling out.

OSU, which led by 15 with 10 minutes to play, hit 29 of 43 from the foul line, including a big pair by Olukemi with 1:33 to play that gave the hosts a 73-67 advantage.

Pressey’s three cut the deficit to 73-70 in the final minute, but Olukemi hit two more that helped push the margin back to 76-70.

Oklahoma 73, Baylor 66

Norman, Okla. — Carl Blair hit four free throws in the final 23.6 seconds as Oklahoma held off a late run from Baylor.

Blair finished with 19 points and Cameron Clark led the Sooners (12-9, 4-3 Big 12) with 25 points.

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