With a NCAA Tournament bid on the line, the Oklahoma Sooners entered the final stretch of conference play. Needing to string together several wins, the team hit the road. However, No. 20 West Virginia posed a substantial threat to the goal.
Building a 21-point lead, Kristian Doolittle knocked down a free throw with seven minutes to play. Inevitably, the Sooners appeared destined for victory. However, the Mountaineers began a furious charge toward the finish line. Cutting the deficit to eight with just over three minutes left in regulation, WVU turned a blowout into a contest.
Unable to eclipse the hurdle, West Virginia began to fade in front of a home crowd. The result was a 73-62 decision in favor of the visiting Sooners.
Pulling off the improbable, Oklahoma became the second team (joining Kansas) to claim a win in Morgantown this season. Playing with new found confidence, this program continues making a case for the post season.
Leading the team in scoring, Kristian Doolittle refuses to let the broken nose and mask bother him. Pouring in 19 points, the lone senior looks to shoulder the burden on the scoreboard. Joining in on the fun three others scored in double digits.
The concern sits squarely on production off the bench. Tournament teams typically have the ability to dip into the depth of the roster during crucial moments. While it’s something to monitor it’s not a tell all for this specific roster.
That belongs to the stat line of rebounding. Despite a comfortable win, the Sooners lost the battle on the boards by a margin of -4. Proving able to overcome the tell-tale sign, this team is peaking at the right time.
Is a No. 3 seed in the Big 12 Tournament in the future?
Highlights
Austin Reaves absolutely breaking West Virginia down. pic.twitter.com/tmY7OrYYcC
— OUHoops (@ouhoops) February 29, 2020
OH MAMA.
— OUHoops (@ouhoops) February 29, 2020
Kur Kuath blocks it on one end and slams it on the other.
OU leads by 20 points in Morgantown. pic.twitter.com/CkuNAnXpms
Brady Manek knocks down the corner 3⃣ to give OU a 17-point lead in Morgantown. pic.twitter.com/8H9EHTwnfp
— OUHoops (@ouhoops) February 29, 2020