Oklahoma is good. Oklahoma is ranked. I don't think anyone realized how good OU is until last week. But Oklahoma is good this year. Week two, against some real competition, gave the Sooner Faithful a glimpse of what the season could look like—dominant defense combined with good offense and an undefeated start. Let's talk about what we've seen to this point.
Photo credit to CBS Sports.
What We Saw This Week
Oklahoma's defense means business. That's about the best way I can put it. Through the first six games of the season, the defense has yet to allow more than 70 points. Their worst defensive performance (regarding points allowed) was in a tournament championship against #23 USC. What better way to start the season than winning the Rady Children's Invitational over a ranked team? USC is no joke. What won us the game was their consistency. The Sooners were 50% on field goals, 45.5% from beyond the arc, and dominated the rebound game, out-rebounding USC 36-28. Football and basketball are similar in one way: they can be won/lost in the trenches. This Oklahoma team has started dominant in the paint this year. We don't allow other teams to rebound the ball. We also beat Iowa in this invitational, so I'm not complaining.
Statistical Leaders To This Point
Points: Otega Oweh, 15 points per game, 66.1% on field goals, 100% on three-pointers (wow).
Rebounds: Sam Godwin, 6.7 rebounds per game.
Assists: Milos Uzan, 4.5 assists per game.
Steals: Otega Oweh, 2.3 steals per game.
Blocks: Sam Godwin, 1.5 blocks per game.
What We Expect To See In The Coming Weeks
The challenge is beginning to ramp up (a little). As I type this, the Sooners hold a 74-46 lead over Arkansas Pine-Bluff in the second half. From here, it isn't going to be easy. Our next game is against Providence, who is 6-1 and looking good. After that, we play Arkansas, a team you can never underestimate. The Razorbacks are coming off an 80-75 win over #7 Duke. This Arkansas team knows how to bring the heat. Playing them in Norman certainly gives us the advantage, but it won't be easy. We'll see how tough our team is these next few weeks. Our first loss of the season is likely to come sooner rather than later, and it could easily be to either one of these teams. Look for the Sooners to try to establish a dominant presence in the paint. The best way to beat good teams is in the paint. We'll likely see limited three-point shooting (except from Otega Oweh, who hasn't missed yet on the season). We might see some lower-scoring games, but with Porter Moser being a defensive mind, I'm sure he'd tell you that it's okay only to put up 50 points if your defense allows just 40. Some fun basketball is coming up. You'd be wise to tune in. Boomer Sooner!
All stats above courtesy of ESPN.
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