Cowboys Welcome Davidson in NIT Opener - What's the Big Surprise?

Oklahoma State prepares to make their mark in the NIT as they host Davidson at Gallagher-Iba Arena, aiming to build on last season's quarterfinal run under coach Steve Lutz.

The Cowboys’ 2025-26 season is far from over, as they gear up for a fresh challenge in the NIT. Oklahoma State will host Davidson at Gallagher-Iba Arena this Tuesday at 8 p.m. as the 2 seed in the Tulsa Regional.

With home-court advantage in the opening rounds, the Cowboys are in a strong position. However, should OSU and Tulsa both advance to the quarterfinals, the Cowboys will hit the road for a showdown in Tulsa.

This marks the second consecutive season under coach Steve Lutz that the Cowboys have earned a spot in the NIT. Last year, they made a solid run to the quarterfinals before North Texas halted their progress.

Entering the NIT with a 19-14 record, OSU is looking to bounce back after a second-round exit in the Big 12 Tournament at the hands of TCU. Coach Lutz had discussions with the team about their postseason options, and the decision was made to continue their journey in the NIT.

Davidson, under the guidance of Matt McKillop, comes in with a 20-13 record. The Wildcats, who secured the 6 seed in the Atlantic-10 Tournament, went 1-1 in their conference play.

Adding an interesting twist to the matchup is Parker Friedrichsen, a name familiar to Cowboy fans. Originally from Bixby and once committed to OSU, Friedrichsen is now making his mark at Davidson. After transferring from Wake Forest, he’s averaging 10.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, shooting an impressive 41% from beyond the arc.

This game promises to be an engaging clash, with both teams eager to extend their seasons and prove their mettle on the court.