The Cade Cunningham era at Oklahoma State has begun and the key numbers from Wednesday's game are one, 21 and 10.

That's one check in the win column. 21 points and 10 rebounds for Cunningham in his OSU debut. The Cowboys beat UT-Arlington 75-68 in Arlington.

"It was fun. It was fun, I think that's the biggest thing to say," Cunningham said after the game. "We haven't been able to play in a long time. Getting to be out there, finally getting to compete with all my teammates. We're all on the same team, instead of competing with each other. It was fun.”

The true freshman said he was happy with his play overall, as well as the team performance.

“I know I competed, played hard. I could have taken better care of the ball a little better than I did. Had a couple too many turnovers. Other than that, really just my competitiveness and effort, I think that was the best thing from me.

“As a team, we played hard and played together. I think we can get a lot better. But it's the first game and we haven't played in a long time and it's our first time playing together. There's a lot to grow from, but it's easy to learn from a win.”

For head coach Mike Boynton, that one check in the W column is a sweet one, especially given all of the circumstances leading up to this season.

“I'm always pleased with a win, no matter where it comes or how it comes. There are no bad wins. Certainly, to do it under these circumstances, under a pandemic. Also going on the road with a bunch of new guys who haven't played a real game together before. I wouldn't say it was a terrifying environment, but it was a road game, and it was a different environment than we're used to.

"We obviously have a lot to work on, but I'm proud of my kids for figuring out a way to get away with a win over what I think is going to be a really good team in the Sun Belt.”

Fellow guard Isaac Likele narrowly missed joining Cunningham with a double-double, notching 9 points and 13 boards. Overall, OSU outrebounded UTSA by a 54-33 margin. Rebounding had been a focus - if not outright concern - for Boynton heading into the opener.

“I thought they did pretty good in that area," Boynton said. "(It was) an area we've been a little concerned about, just because of our lack of depth up front, but it's an area that I thought we responded to because of our guards did a good job.”

OSU will have a couple of days to prepare for their next game, when they host Texas State in Stillwater on Saturday.