Oklahoma (16-9, 6-6) cannot get over the hump against No. 3 Kansas (22-3, 11-1), dropping yet another game inside the infamous Allen Fieldhouse.
The Sooners came out absorbing body blows from the Jayhawks before taking their first lead since the opening possession of the game with 12:18 in the first half. Trading blows 12 times in the opening 20 minutes before Kansas took over late in the first half to take a nine-point lead into the break.
Here is what Sooners fans can take away from the loss.
DOO DID HIS JOB
Kristian Doolittle stayed the course, dropping 27 points and snatching 12 rebounds in his effort against Kansas. The Edmond, Okla., native played sneakily well, leading the charge offensively for the Sooners. With March quickly approaching, Doolittle’s offensive output has been consistently high, translating to a high level of play on the defensive end.
HARMON IS NOT FAZED
Freshman guard De’Vion Harmon did not seem bothered in his first game in ‘The Phog’. Harmon hit crucial shots while Oklahoma was attempting to mount a comeback midway through the second half, including two big three-pointers to help the Sooners claw back within 10.
He finished with 10 points on 50% shooting, three rebounds, and four assists while only turning the ball over twice.
WEATHER THE STORM
It was pretty much a foregone conclusion that the Jayhawks were going to put together one run to put the Sooners away. Oklahoma was prepared for that and did not panic when Kansas put together a 16-5 run to close the first half.
However, the Sooners are not quite built to handle two or more such runs. The Jayhawks opened the second period just as they closed the first, forcing Lon Kruger to call a timeout early. From there, the Sooners were patient and did not force things to get it back to a 10-point game before Bill Self’s Jayhawks took over once again to officially put Oklahoma away.
Using this game as a learning experience for both players and coaches, the Sooners should be battle-hardened well enough come Tournament time.
Oklahoma has another big game on Tuesday when they welcome No. 1 Baylor into Norman, Okla. The game is set for an 8p.m. CT tip and can be seen on ESPN2.
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