True Grit Is Shown by Oklahoma St.

Oklahoma State showed Memphis to Graceland, all right. Making music on offense and defense, Oklahoma State on Sunday demonstrated the virtues required to proceed far into the NCAA Tournament with a 70-53 second-round victory in the East Rutherford Regional.

“They were physical, mature, set unbelievable screens, fought through screens on the other end, rebounded like crazy,” Memphis Coach John Calipari said.

Not to mention shooting 68% from the field in the first half -- and 59.6% in the game.

Within eight minutes of the opening tip, Oklahoma State (29-3) was ahead by 13 and had thrown such a spotlight on Memphis’ weaknesses that Memphis might have wanted one of those seven-second delays of live TV coverage -- in hopes of editing out some of the embarrassment.

Junior forward Joey Graham, who had not played particularly well in Oklahoma State’s first-round victory over Eastern Washington, had 20 of his 21 points by halftime by making all eight field-goal attempts, including three three-pointers.

Guard John Lucas made six of 10 shots, and had 13 points and five assists. Forward Ivan McFarlin made six of eight shots, and had 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Oklahoma State will play Pittsburgh on Thursday night in East Rutherford, N.J.

Memphis finished 22-8.