Oklahoma (16-10, 6-7) and Oklahoma State (13-13, 3-10) square off in the second and final edition of Bedlam during the regular season. In their first matchup, the Sooners pulled away in the early stages of the second half to cruise to an 82-69 win.
For Oklahoma to get the sweep, here is what needs to happen.
INSIDE OUT
The Sooners need to learn how to live in the paint. With Brady Manek and Kristian Doolittle, Oklahoma should not have to settle for jump shots. Despite the more than able duo, the Sooners have been settling for poor shots in mid-range and taking contested threes in transition. If Oklahoma wants to survive and make the NCAA Tournament they should start getting the ball as close to the hoop as possible.
LET ALONDES FLY
At Thursday’s practice, Alondes Williams nearly ended Risk Issanza’s career before it even began. Williams threw down a left-handed tomahawk over Issanza to bring practice to a halt while everyone ooed and awed at Williams’ athleticism at Issanza’s expense. Williams continues to improve every day with better and better performances nearly each and every time out. If the offense stalls out, Oklahoma should do everything they can to get the ball in Williams’ hands to spark the Sooners’ offense.
CONTINUE THE DEFENSE
Oklahoma has been nearly elite on the defensive end of the floor since Big 12 play began. Keeping that energy against the Cowboys will be key to stop the Cowboys from catching fire against the Sooners. As much as the offense is important for Oklahoma, the defense is important tenfold. Look for the Sooners to set the tone on defense early.
The Sooners and Cowboys tip off at 3p.m. CT on ESPN2. For more broadcast details, click here.
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