The winner finished ninth.
The Oklahoma State men’s basketball team defied preseason expectations and avoided last place in its conference with an 85-77 victory against West Virginia on Saturday afternoon in Gallagher-Iba Arena.
Coach Mike Boynton’s Cowboys (12-19 overall, 5-13 Big 12) were 10th in the Big 12 preseason power rankings. Despite a season scarred with difficulties resulting from player dismissals, they finished one spot ahead of the Mountaineers.
“There’s kind of some validation in the work that they’ve put in,” Boynton said.
Lindy Waters III, a junior guard, said the Cowboys weren’t focused on the standings.