Jamal Bieniemy – Page 2 – Syndication Server

Three takeaways from Oklahoma’s win over No. 19 West Virginia 73-62

Oklahoma (18-11, 8-8) fought their way off the bubble this week with a huge road win against No. 19 West Virginia (19-10, 7-9) 73-62.

The Sooners needed one more win against a quadrant one team to feel really good about their chances on ‘Selection Sunday’ in two weeks and boy did they deliver. Once up 21 points, Oklahoma escaped Morgantown with an 11-point win.

BIENIEMY IS MUI BIEN

Jamal Bieniemy is heating up at the most opportune time for the Sooners.

Coming off of Tuesday’s game against No. 22 Texas Tech, Bienimey looked like he was trying to generate offense on his own. Today, he did just that. Scoring 12 points while hauling in 6 rebounds and dishing 3 assists, Bieniemy looked to be playing with as much swagger as his Super Bowl-winning uncle, Eric, has while calling Patrick Mahomes’ plays.

BRING IN THE CLOSER

Just as they did in the first matchup in Norman, Oklahoma struggled to put the Mountaineers away. After going up 21 points, the Sooners allowed West Virginia to chip away and pull within eight with less than three minutes to play. Although leaving with a win, Oklahoma showed they need to work on closing out ball games.

DOO YOU HAVE WILLPOWER?

Kristian Doolittle is the personification of toughness and grit. Playing through a broken nose for a game and a half, Doolittle had a procedure on his nose on Thursday to straighten it out. Over the past week, Doolittle has shown how much it means to him to get back to the NCAA Tournament as the Sooners’ lone senior. His 19 points, seven rebounds, and three assists were all either team-highs or tied for team-highs.

Oklahoma and Texas face off on Tuesday for the Sooners’ senior night. The matchup is set for 8p.m. CT on ESPN2.

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Three reasons why Oklahoma beat No. 19 West Virginia 73-62

Oklahoma (18-11, 8-8) finishes the regular-season sweep of No. 19 West Virginia (19-10, 7-9), beating the Mountaineers…

Oklahoma (18-11, 8-8) finishes the regular-season sweep of No. 19 West Virginia (19-10, 7-9), nearly securing the Sooners’ chances of making the NCAA Tournament.

Here is what went right for Oklahoma in their road upset.

DOO YOU DUDE

Kristian Doolittle is an absolute monster. After playing a game and a half with a broken nose, Doolittle had a procedure to realign his nose on Thursday. Without skipping a beat, Doolittle put up 19 points while hauling in 7 rebounds and dishing out 3 assists.

It will take much more than a facial fracture to stop the Sooners’ lone senior from getting his team to ‘The Big Dance’.

ONE HOT BIRD

Brady Manek looked like the guy that earned the moniker ‘Larry on the Prarie’, shooting lights out while putting the Mountaineers to sleep.

Manek was on fire from deep, scoring 15 points on 6 of 11 shooting (3-7 from three) while grabbing seven boards of his own and chaulking up an assist.

GREENLIGHT CITY

Jamal Bieniemy played with tremendous confidence against West Virginia. Usually, a guy that stays quiet and does not make mistakes, Bieniemy opened up the flood gates against the Mountaineers.

Leading all scorers at the half, Bieniemy kept it rolling in the second as the Sooners built a 21 point lead in the final period of play. With 12 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists, Bieniemy is heating up just at the right time.

Oklahoma is back in action against Texas on Tuesday, their final home game of the season. The Sooners and Longhorns can be seen on ESPN2 at 8p.m. CT.

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Three keys for Oklahoma basketball against No. 19 West Virginia

With ‘Selection Sunday’ quickly approaching, today’s game against No. 19 West Virginia (19-9, 7-8) is Oklahoma’s (17-11, 7-8)…

With ‘Selection Sunday’ quickly approaching, today’s game against No. 19 West Virginia (19-9, 7-8) is Oklahoma’s (17-11, 7-8) final shot at a quality road win.

The Sooners did beat the Mountaineers three Saturday’s ago in a 69-59 rout at home. However, West Virginia is a completely different team in Morgantown. With Oklahoma succumbing to a hostile environment at Oklahoma State last Saturday, the Sooners need to block out the noise, put their heads down, and ball out.

BRINGING BRADY BACK

Two points. That is all Brady Manek scored against Oklahoma State last Saturday. With Kristian Doolittle coming off of a nose procedure on Thursday, Manek needs to be the rock of the Sooners offense. Look for the sharpshooting center get shots up early to find his rhythm.

EVERYBODY SHOOTS, EVERYBODY SCORES, EVERYBODY WINS

Against Texas Tech, Oklahoma had a slurry of guys take shots that do not normally take shots. Jamal Bieniemy, De’Vion Harmon, Kur Kuath, and Alondes Williams were all taking jumpers in the early parts of their matchup against the Red Raiders. Despite not knocking most of them down, it seemed as though the Sooners were trying to find who they could rely on outside of the ‘Big Three’ of Doolittle, Manek, and Reaves for Tournament time.

STAY HEALTHY

No one has missed a game for Oklahoma so far this season. Doolittle played through a broken nose against Oklahoma State and Texas Tech while being the only major injury suffered by Lon Kruger’s team. With the final stretch before them, the Sooners cannot afford any injuries on the final day before the month of March.

Oklahoma and West Virginia are set to tip-off at 3p.m. CT on ESPN2. For more broadcast details, click here.

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When, where, how to watch Oklahoma – No. 19 West Virginia

Two weeks. That’s what separates Oklahoma and selection Sunday.

The Sooners (17-11, 7-8) can make their final statement with a quadrant one win over No. 19 West Virginia (19-9,7-8).

Coming off a dominant mid-week win over Texas Tech on Tuesday, Oklahoma looks to continue their defensive efforts in Morgantown.

The Sooners beat the Mountaineers just three weeks ago in a 69-59 win at home. Oklahoma dominated the paint on both ends of the court, forcing West Virginia to miss over 20 shots inside of two feet.

It will take a similar performance today as the Mountaineers are a much better home team than when they are on the road.

Here is where you can find the crucial Big 12 matchup.

WHERE: WVU Coliseum (Morgantown, West Virginia)

WHEN: 3:00 p.m. CT

HOW TO WATCH: ESPN2

HOW TO LISTEN: Sooner Sports Radio Network—KOKC AM 1520 and KRXO 107.7 FM in OKC, KMOD FM 97.5 and KTBZ AM 1430 in Tulsa (click here for more options if not in either of those markets)

HOW TO STREAM: WATCH ESPN

Oklahoma unable to get over the hump against No. 1 Baylor

It has been 27 years since the No. 1 team in the nation has played in the Lloyd Noble Center.

NORMAN, Okla. – It has been 27 years since the No. 1 team in the nation has played in the Lloyd Noble Center.

No. 1 Baylor (24-1, 13-0) escaped a raucous and hostile crowd, beating the Sooners 65-54. Oklahoma fans were chomping at the bit, knowing full well what was at stake for both the Bears and Sooners.

For Baylor, a shot at Big 12 history before hosting No. 3 Kansas on Saturday. They now boast a 23-conference game win streak, a Big 12 record. For Oklahoma, a shot at knocking off the No. 1 team in the country for the first time since they beat Kansas in the Big 12 Tournament in 2002.

All started well for Lon Kruger’s team, leading the Bears 13-11 halfway through the first half. Baylor soon took over, methodically shutting down the Sooners’ offense while pulling away to a 13-point lead with four minutes left in the half.

On the ropes and near to getting a standing 10-count, the Sooners came back swinging. Brady Manek and Jalen Hill kickstarted the second effort with an artistic sequence thanks to Hill’s offensive rebounding prowess.

As the half dwindled down, Oklahoma fans were on the edge of their seats ready to blow the roof off of the Lloyd Noble Center, but the Bears failed to give them a chance to do so.

“It’s easy to say ‘What if?’ or ‘What would’ve happened?'”, Kristian Doolittle said postgame, when asked, had a few more shots fell if the crowd would have made more of a factor. “Ideally, we take the lead and we never give it back,” Doolittle said. “You never know as to what would’ve happened, but we missed an opportunity to take the lead. We had a lot of good shots that just didn’t go in for us tonight.”

The first 10 minutes of the second half was reminiscent of the first half as the Sooners tried inching their way into the lead, but could only pull as close as one point.

The Sooners season so far can be described as Sisyphus’ rock. So close, yet so far. Just as Oklahoma looks as though they can reach the peak, their rock slips from their grip and tumbles back down the mountain.

The Sooners have a chance to climb back against Oklahoma State on Saturday. The second regular-season edition of Bedlam is set for 3p.m. CT in Stillwater and can be found on ESPN2.

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Three takeaways from Oklahoma’s 65-54 loss to No. 1 Baylor

Oklahoma (16-10, 6-7) stuck around with No. 1 Baylor (24-1, 13-0) once again, but still to no avail.

The Sooners were once again a thorn in the Bear’s paw but came up short in the final five minutes, allowing Baylor to pull away.

Here is what kept Oklahoma from pulling off a major upset.

THE SOONERS ARE DOO-MED

When Kristian Doolittle gets it going, life is good for the Sooners. However, when he gets off to a delayed start or hits a dry spell due to defensive adjustments, Oklahoma’s offense goes to hell in a handbasket.

Doolittle had a delayed offensive start against the Bears with just three points and five rebounds on one of five shooting. In the second period, Doolittle was a monster, scoring 15 points and hauling in five rebounds to finish with 18 points and 10 rebounds.

LET WILLIAMS GO WILD

Despite picking up three fouls before the 10-minute mark of the second half, Alondes Williams continued to show why he has earned a starting spot on this Sooners team. Williams took over Oklahoma’s offense around the five-minute mark before picking up his fourth foul with 3:32 left in the game.

His ability to get to the rack and start fast breaks helped spark the Sooners’ offense when it needed it most. With this performance, Williams should be the new third option over Austin Reaves.

WEATHERPROOF

The Sooners have learned how to weather scoring outbursts from teams better than them over the past month of play. Slowly but surely Oklahoma has gotten better at rolling with the punches and keeping themselves within striking range.

It’s only a matter of time before they put it together and come out on top in a dog fight.

Oklahoma is back in action on Saturday when they take a trip on Northbound I-35 to play Oklahoma State in the second edition of Bedlam this season. Tip-off is set for 3p.m. CT and can be found on ESPN2.

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Three keys for Oklahoma basketball against No. 1 Baylor

Oklahoma (16-9, 6-6) squares off against No. 1 Baylor (22-1, 12-0) in a big-time Big 12 clash.

The Sooners fell short in the final minute in the first matchup in Waco, Texas, 61-57. Oklahoma can give the Bears all they can handle and then some. Coming off a tough road loss to No. 3 Kansas, the Sooners are still in “high spirits” through their laborious back half of their schedule.

Here is what needs to happen for Oklahoma to hand Baylor their first Big 12 loss of the season.

GET HOT, STAY HOT

With Kristian Doolittle coming off his third Big 12 Player of the Week honor, he alongside Brady Manek and Austin Reaves will have to be the offensive catalysts to get the Sooners rolling on offense. In the first matchup, Doolittle, Manek, and Reaves accounted for 37 of the Sooners’ 57 points with Manek leading the way with 21 points. Look for the trio to be instrumental in finding the flow of the offense.

ROLE PLAY

With the emergence of Alondes Williams over the past month of play, he will be among a handful of players who will have to fulfill and even exceed their normal expectations.

Williams, Jamal Bienimey, De’Vion Harmon and Kur Kuath will all need to leave their fingerprints on the game if the Sooners want to upset the No 1 team in the nation.

INTENSITY

From the opening tip, Oklahoma needs to play with incredible intensity and sustain the energy throughout the full 40 minutes. Lon Kruger, as well as his players, have been vocal in saying that they need to close games in a better fashion.

Coinciding with role play, look for Bieniemy, Williams, and especially De’Vion Harmon to bring another level of intensity tonight.

The Sooners and Bears are set for an 8p.m. CT tip on ESPN2. Oklahoma students can attend the game free of charge with a valid student ID. For full broadcast details, click here.

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When, where, how to watch, how to stream Oklahoma-Baylor

Oklahoma (16-9, 6-6) welcomes No. 1 ranked Baylor (23-1, 12-0) to Norman, Okla., for their final regular-season meeting of the year.

The Sooners came up four points shy on the road in Waco, TX., the first go-around, losing 61-57. Oklahoma gave the Bears all they could handle for 40 minutes. Arguably the Sooners’ best road performance of the season, Lon Kruger’s guys could not find any remaining Sooner Magic from the football team’s miraculous 25-point comeback win this past football season.

Now that Oklahoma gets a chance to host, all bets are off. The Sooners boast an 11-1 record at home with their only loss being to No. 3 Kansas. Oklahoma knows full well that they can defend their home court and defend it well.

Here are the broadcast details for the biggest home game of the season for the Sooners.

WHERE: Lloyd Noble Center (Norman, Oklahoma)

WHEN: 8:00 p.m. CT

HOW TO WATCH: ESPN

HOW TO LISTEN: Sooner Sports Radio Network—KOKC AM 1520 and KRXO 107.7 FM in OKC, KMOD FM 97.5 and KTBZ AM 1430 in Tulsa (click here for more options if not in either of those markets)

HOW TO STREAM: WATCH ESPN

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Oklahoma in ‘high spirits’ heading into matchup with No. 1 Baylor

Laughter echoed through the empty seats of the Lloyd Noble Center as Oklahoma had a final practice on Monday to tune-up for Baylor tonight.

NORMAN, Okla. — Laughter echoed through the empty seats of the Lloyd Noble Center as Oklahoma had a final practice on Monday to tune-up for No. 1 Baylor tonight.

If you did not know this team suffered their second loss to Kansas on the season and had to play the top-ranked team in the nation tonight, you would not get the notion that the Sooners are stressed about this part of the season.

“Spirits are high,” said Kristian Doolittle after Monday’s practice. “We’ve already gotten over the Kansas game,”

De’Vion Harmon was emotional during the team practice, flipping over a courtside chair out of frustration during a drill. The frustration was shortlived, however, as Harmon was back encouraging and joking around with his teammates.

“Our challenge to them is to get better each day,” said head coach Lon Kruger. “You can’t worry about the conference standings, can’t worry about your résumé for at-large (bids), you have to worry about getting better. And if we do that, then we’ll be good enough,”

The Sooners have gotten better as the season has progressed. Although their record may not indicate it, Oklahoma is currently 6-6 in Big 12 play, good for fifth in the conference. With odd road losses to Kansas State and Iowa State, the Sooners have held their own against the upper half of the Big 12.

So far this season, Oklahoma’s marquee win came against then-ranked No. 13 West Virginia in Norman. On the road, Kruger’s crew has hanged tough with Texas Tech, Kansas, and took Baylor to the wire in a 61-57 loss.

Boasting an 11-1 record at home, Oklahoma is excited for an opportunity to run it back against the No. 1 team in the nation.

“It’s an opportunity tomorrow to play the number one team in the country, so if you’re not happy about that, you probably shouldn’t be playing basketball,” Austin Reaves said following Monday’s practice.

From the looks of their practice on Monday, Oklahoma seems relaxed, yet focused. Their laughter and camaraderie in an empty Lloyd Noble Center will turn to focus and determination as the seats begin to fill tonight.

Oklahoma and No. 1 Baylor are set to tip-off at 8 p.m. CT on ESPN2.

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Three takeaways from Oklahoma’s 87-70 loss to Kansas

Oklahoma (16-9, 6-6) cannot get over the hump against No. 3 Kansas (22-3, 11-1), dropping yet another game inside Allen Fieldhouse.

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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