Oklahoma (11-4, 2-1) has yet to start conference play on a three-game win-streak since 2013, dropping their first conference game of the season against Iowa State (8-7, 1-2), 81-68.
However, not everything was a loss against the Cyclones.
THE ZONE WORKS
Lon Kruger switched to the zone when the Sooners were down 17, early in the second half. The 2-3 zone did not let Oklahoma back into the game but it did keep Iowa State within arms reach for much longer than they should have been. Kruger pulled out the zone against Kansas State in the Big 12 opener, pulling off a comeback win.
CLEAN THE GLASS
To say the Sooners lacked strength in the paint against the Cyclones would be an understatement. Oklahoma was outrebounded 35-25 and tallied just three offensive boards. Being one of the smaller teams in the Big 12, the Sooners are going to have to toughen up and outwork their opponents in the paint.
THE TRIO DID IT AGAIN
The three-headed monster of Austin Reaves, Kristian Doolittle, and Brady Manek did not allow the blowout loss to affect their scoring averages. All three were in double-digits and accounted for 43 of the Sooners’ 68 points and 14 of Oklahoma’s 25 rebounds.
For the Sooners, it will take more than those three for them to get wins against most of the Big 12.
BIENIEMY IS WARMING UP
Sophomore guard, Jamal Bieniemy had himself another solid performance, giving him back to back double-digit scoring performances. His 10 points, four rebounds and two assists were a bright spot in a game that was hard to watch for Sooners fans.
Oklahoma plays host to No. 3 Kansas on Tuesday on ESPN at 8p.m. CT.
[lawrence-auto-related count=3]