Throughout the duration of the non-conference portion of the schedule, the Oklahoma Sooners appeared on their home court just twice in ten outings. The most recent contest once again took place outside of Lloyd Noble Center as the program journeyed to Tulsa for a bout with the USC Trojans. Clearly finding an identity behind Christian James and Lon Kruger’s defensive schematics, the group cruised to another victory, this one by a final of 81-70.
Jumping out to an early 10-2 lead, the Sooner appeared to seize control of the game. With four different players scoring during the stretch, the opponent remained overwhelmed before finally settling in. Nonetheless, OU continued to push the lead out to 40-25 with just over a minute remaining in the first half.
Refusing to relinquish the lead, Oklahoma maintained a comfortable margin throughout the second half. Senior Miles Reynolds turned in a game high 20-point effort proving experience is key on this roster. Knocking down shots from various locations on the court, Reynolds outing allowed the Sooners to shoot an impressive 50.8% from the floor as a team.
From behind the arc, the program only attempted a total of eighteen shots. Connecting on six of those jumpers, it never seemed as though the team entered a mode of desperation in order to preserve a margin of victory. Instead, Aaron Calixte and Joel Bieniemy moved the ball around the court to the tune of 10 assists.
However, where the team really shines is in crashing the boards. As the guards collapse down on the shot towards the rim, James racked up fifteen total rebounds. Netting sixteen points of his own, the senior recorded the second double-double of his career. Good things are in store for the Lon Kruger led Sooners.
Now, will the win warrant a few votes in the upcoming AP Poll?