Freshman Muonelo Stars In Opener

The Cowboys made 14 three-pointers – just one shy of the school single-game record – to open the Sean Sutton Era with an impressive 95-50 victory over Florida Atlantic on Friday night at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Five players scored in double figures, led by Mario Boggan and Terrel Harris with 17 points each, and the Cowboys shot nearly 68 percent from the field in the blowout victory.

OSU 95, Florida Atlantic 50

Stat line of the game: Obi Muonelo: 5-5 FGs, 4-4 3PT, 2 Reb., 14 Points, 2 Assists, 10 Minutes (1st half)

Player of the game: Obi Muonelo came off the bench to score 16 points in his first game as a Cowboy. That’s the most points by a freshman in his debut since Corey Williams scored 17 points at Pittsburgh on Nov. 26, 1988. In 25 minutes of action, the 6-foot-5 freshman from Edmond, Okla., finished with 16 points, 4 assists and 3 rebounds.

The game was over when …: the Cowboys went on a 34-15 run during an 11-minute stretch in the first half. Florida Atlantic took a 7-6 lead on Carlos Monroe’s free throw with 16:20 remaining but the Cowboys then dominated for the next 11 minutes. OSU hit six three-pointers – four Muonelo – and went up 40-22 when Terrel Harris drilled a trey with 5:37 left in the half.

Quote of the game: “He’s an energy-type player. Right now he has no fear when he’s on the court. He’s full of confidence and we want him to stay that way. He’s not afraid to go make a play. He’s not afraid to step up and take a big shot. Those are the type of characteristics that you want in all your players, but certainly if you have it as a freshman that’s extra special. He really does a lot of things well. He’s getting better defensively. When he slows down and relaxes he’s a very good shooter. He’s a capable rebounder; I’d like to see him rebound more consistently but it’s still early.” – Sean Sutton on Obi Muonelo

Next: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, vs. Northwestern State, at Gallagher-Iba Arena.