Oklahoma (12-10, 2-7) fell behind early, digging a hole that was too deep to climb out of in a 71-61 loss to rival Oklahoma State on Wednesday in Norman, Okla.
Coming off a blowout win over Alabama in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge, the Sooners were looking to gain an edge over the Cowboys (13-9, 4-5). Oklahoma State defeated Oklahoma 72-56 earlier in the season.
Here are three takeaways from the Sooners tilt with the Cowboys:
Offense rapidly falls back to earth
Unlike its big win over Alabama, Oklahoma couldn’t find couldn’t establish a consistent shooting presence on Wednesday night. The Sooners made 16 of 46 shot attempts (35%) to go with five made 3-pointers.
In its upset of the Crimson Tide, Oklahoma connected on nearly 58% of its shots.
Oklahoma seemed overwhelmed from the opening tip against Oklahoma State, missing its first four attempts from beyond the arc. The Cowboys quickly built up a 10-2 lead and maintained control of the momentum for much of the first half.
Grant Sherfield led the way for Oklahoma on the offensive side, scoring 14 points on 4-of-12 shooting.
Oklahoma has found itself playing from behind at multiple points throughout the season and that trend continued Wednesday.
Lesson was not learned with interior defense
Oklahoma State’s Kalib Boone dominated in the first meeting between the Bedlam rivals, with 15 points, seven rebounds and five blocks. It was far from his first breakout performance, as he’s scored in double-figures in seven of nine Big 12 games going into Wednesday’s meeting.
Boone continued to show why he’s a dominant force in the frontcourt, scoring eight of the Pokes’ first 10 points. Moussa Cisse also looked efficient in the paint when paired up with Boone.
The duo combined for 36 points, nine rebounds and two blocks. The Cowboys also dominated on the glass, grabbing 14 offensive rebounds as a team. Porter Moser’s defensive rotations couldn’t contain Oklahoma State’s powerful presence in the frontcourt.
The fact that Oklahoma couldn’t adjust to the Cowboys’ physical style of play from their first meeting is alarming.
Saturday’s steam has fizzled out
For a team on the NCAA Tournament bubble, dominating a Top 5 team in the country creates shockwaves and confidence.
The win over Alabama propelled Oklahoma from Joe Lunardi’s next four out into the last four in. The win is important, but it wasn’t a Big 12 win. The Sooners’ slate does not get easier.
Six of their eight remaining opponents are ranked inside the Top 15, with four games against current Top 10 teams.
Oklahoma is playing with some serious fire. Although the Big 12 is ridiculously deep, falling to 2-7 in league play is uncharted waters to make an NCAA Tournament at that point.
— Andrew Tineo (@A_Tineo4) February 2, 2023
And just like that, OU lays an egg and eliminates everything they accomplished with the Alabama win. Just a lost season. Really unfortunate.
— C&C Machine (@CCMachine) February 2, 2023
The Sooners will return to the court at 7 p.m. Saturday at West Virginia, looking for a season sweep against the Mountaineers and fending off ninth place in the Big 12 standings.
Find more Oklahoma coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.