This was a huge win for OU after back to back disappointing second half home performances against Texas and Texas Tech This is one Porter Moser’s group needed in a big, big way on the road. The stench of that blown second half lead versus the Red Raiders needed to be redirected in a hurry.
Two words….mission accomplished.
This was about as ugly a basketball game imagineable, and OU’s free throw shooting was once again atrocious (20-34), but what I loved about the Sooners in this game was the mental toughness and resilency which was absent last week in Norman.
The Sooners simply found a way in one of college basketball’s toughest arenas to notch a road win. This is one the Sooners had to have to get back on the right side of Joe Lunardi’s bracket curve come March Madness.
OU’s leading scorer, Javian McCullum… got his swagger back and scored the basketball. Rapidly ascending Jalen Moore played like the Sooners’ version of the Warriors’ new Johnny Kuminga and from my view was the best player on the floor. Not just the best athlete, the best player. Jalen Moore…this is who you need to be every game moving forward.
Sam Godwin played much better..although his free throw shooting was pathetic for a guy with a decent stroke, and Renaldo Soares has steadily become in my mind someone who could be the Sooners’ modest version of JDub because of his versatility and all the little things he can do to make the Sooners a tournament team. In short…as an over the top OU super fan…I now have total trust in Renaldo to be on the floor in any given game situation.
Porter’s postgame presser was interesting in that only one question was asked. Question answered…and see you guys down the road was the impression I got. Porter is very direct. I’ve been there behind his bench sevral times during a game. He is not at all shy about telling his players and reporters what he thinks…which is one of the reasons I think he’s a very good basketball coach.
Next up…on the road again on Saturday versus a UCF team which upset the Kansas Jayhawks in Orlando earlier this season.
The Sooners need to make their free throws and not be like that Abe Lemons dog who strays into the street too often.
I’m heading off to the women Sooner’s game versus No. 2 Kansas State in a couple of hours. I love being retired. Life is great…every day it seems is like Game Day for me.
Boomer.
MJ