No. 16 Oklahoma had a quick turnaround after Saturday’s loss to rival Oklahoma State as they got back to the floor to see those same Cowboys again just over 48 hours later.
The first matchup was an overtime epic that will be remembered for a very long time, and while the rematch wasn’t quite to that level – it certainly was another thriller that provided plenty of drama.
While the Sooners did some really good things, and limited Cade Cunningham far better than the first game, it was still not enough with the Cowboys winning in Stillwater to sweep the season series.
The loss is Oklahoma’s third in a row and pins them at 14-8 on the season and looking for answers. Here are three immediate takeaways from the game:
Hello, Brady Manek
Brady Manek has had a disappointing year, there really isn’t any way around it. He has had flashes of the guy we are used to seeing in recent years, but for the most part that consistent three-point shot has really alluded him and kept him from having the impact he is capable of having.
Monday provided some shades of the Manek of old as he came out firing from deep and was simply huge for the Sooners in this game. His first half was especially vital as really the only consistent scoring option through the first 20 minutes of action.
He kept things rolling through the second half as well finishing things with 20 points on the evening, although did miss a key shot late that would have tied the game.
If Manek can build on this and play his best ball in the most important games the rest of the way, that is a gigantic plus for Lon Kruger’s squad.