When Mills first met with players, he told them, “I didn’t hire you guys. I choose you guys.” Why that distinction mattered.

The Shockers successfully climbed out of 24-point hole to take a lead, but ran out of steam down the stretch in a season-ending loss.

The longtime conference rivals have never met four times in a season.

Kenyon Giles had 28 points in Wichita State’s 96-70 victory against Oklahoma State on Sunday in the NIT. Wichita State, which has won six games in a row, plays Tulsa in the semifinals. Giles went 10 of 24 from the field (8 for 16 from 3-point range) for the Shockers (24-11).

Get real-time Men's College Basketball coverage and scores as Wichita State Shockers takes on Oklahoma State Cowboys. We bring you the latest game previews, live stats, expert picks and recaps on CBS

Wichita State defeated Oklahoma State in Stillwater, 96-70, to advance in the NIT Tournament. The Shockers will now face Tulsa on Tuesday for a chance to advance to the NIT Final Four.

Wichita State won in Stillwater for the fourth time in its last five trips, as the Shockers continue their season in March.

Wichita State Shockers (24-11, 14-6 AAC) at Tulsa Golden Hurricane (28-7, 14-6 AAC) Tulsa, Oklahoma; Tuesday, 7 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: Tulsa and Wichita State meet in the National Invitation Tournament.