STILLWATER, Okla. -- A swarming Oklahoma State defense was too much for the University of the Incarnate Word to overcome, as the Cardinal men's basketball team fell 91-60 in its season opener Monday night.
It wasn't until the final possession of the night until UIW had more made field goals (22) than turnovers (21), with Oklahoma State turning those takeaways into 27 points.
Every Cardinal that took the court Monday was playing in a UIW uniform for the first time, with
Mekhi Connor leading all players with 18 points. Conner made three 3-pointers and was 7-of-8 from the foul line.
Godswill Erheriene also scored in double figures, recording 12 points.Â
Christophe Pare, a 7-foot center, established a great presence inside, grabbing six rebounds while also blocking six shots.
The Cardinals, who have now lost nine straight season openers, will host Chicago State at 6 p.m. on Thursday.
UIW has had great success in home openers since transitioning to the Division-I level, putting together a 10-3 record.
Â
