3 takeaways from Oklahoma’s loss to Oklahoma State: offense, interior defense overwhelmed

Oklahoma (2-7, 12-10) was behind as a lot as 14 within the first half and the outlet was too deep to climb out of, in a 71-61 loss to Oklahoma State Wednesday in Norman.

It was a close to full home in Norman for Oklahoma (2-7, 12-10) with the Crimson and Cream trustworthy seething for revenge after the Cowboys took away a win earlier in Stillwater.

Here are three takeaways from the Sooners tilt with the Cowboys:

Offense quickly falls again to earth

An offense that struggled to surpass 70 factors had its best offensive recreation of the season towards its hardest opponent Saturday in previous-No.2 Alabama. Scoring a season-high 93 factors, whereas drilling 9 3-pointers and guard Grant Sherfield with a recreation to bear in mind, netting 30 factors.

It couldn’t be extra reverse Wednesday.

It was a battle of two groups toeing the road of the NCAA Tournament and Oklahoma was overwhelmed from the opening tip. They missed their first 4 photographs, all of them from past the arc. Including a two of 11 begin from the sphere, with seven missed 3-pointers and 4 turnovers within the first shut to six minutes.

Sherfield paved the way with 14 factors however made simply 4 of his 12 makes an attempt from the sphere and two assists.

Too many instances this season the Sooners began the sport chilly from the sphere and performed from behind to keep aggressive in Big 12 contests. It has not labored out properly for them typically and the development stayed true Wednesday.

Lesson was not realized with interior defense

Kalib Boone dominated within the first assembly, with 15 factors, seven rebounds and 5 blocks. It was far from his first breakout efficiency, as he’s scored in double-figures in seven of 9 Big 12 video games coming into Wednesday.

Boone continued his insertion to opposing frontcourts, scoring eight of the Pokes first 10 factors. He was accompanied by the league’s main shot blocker, in heart Moussa Cisse, returning from inconsistently being within the lineup the previous seven video games.

Whatever rotation Moser threw onto the court docket, couldn’t contaminate the 2, who wreaked havoc on each ends of the ground.

The duo mixed for 36 factors, each taking pictures eight of 10 from the sphere, 9 rebounds and a block every. The Cowboys additionally dominated the glass, grabbing 12 offensive rebounds, six from the duo.

Not many groups in Big 12 play have a frontcourt duo like these two, however it’s alarming that Oklahoma couldn’t modify from the primary matchup.

Saturday’s steam has fizzled out

For a bubble staff, dominating a Top 5 staff makes shockwaves, not just for inventory in March, however confidence for a staff that has struggled in Big 12 competitors.

The win propelled them from Joe Lunardi’s subsequent 4 out all the way in which into the final 4 in. The win is essential however was not a Big 12 win. And the Sooners slate doesn’t get simpler. Six of their eight remaining opponents are ranked contained in the Top 15, with 4 video games towards present Top 10 groups.

Add on falling to a tie for eighth place in league play and time is working out on a race to March Madness.

The Sooners will return to the court docket at 7 p.m. Saturday at. West Virginia, searching for a season sweep towards the Mountaineers and warding off ninth place in league play.

Find more Oklahoma coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.