LAHAINA >> Jawun Evans had 35 points and five of Oklahoma State’s 18 steals, lifting the Cowboys to a 98-90 win over Connecticut in today’s opening round of the Maui Invitational.

Oklahoma State (4-0) jumped on the Huskies from the opening tip, turning one steal after another into points in transition. The Cowboys hit five 3-pointers during an opening 18-3 run and finished 12 for 20 from the arc.

Jeffrey Carroll and Phil Forte had 18 points each, helping Oklahoma State move on to the second round against No. 4 North Carolina or Chaminade.

Evans also had six assists, four rebounds and one turnover.

UConn (1-3) struggled with Oklahoma State’s constant pressure, turning it over 18 times. Jalen Adams had the most trouble with the Cowboys’ defense, turning it over six times in the opening five minutes and 10 overall.

Adams finished with 34 points, six rebounds and six assists. Rodney Purvis added 20 points.

The Huskies also lost sophomore forward Terry Larrier to a left leg injury in the first half.