OU Basketball: Three Takeaways From Oklahoma’s 76-62 Victory
In a hard-fought battle, the Oklahoma Sooners emerged victorious on Wednesday night against the Texas Tech Red Raiders, securing a 76-62 victory. The triumph marks a crucial conference win for the Sooners, propelling them up the Big 12 standings. As we delve into the contest, let’s dissect three key takeaways from Oklahoma’s impressive performance:
1. Tanner Groves’ Dominance in the Paint
Junior center Tanner Groves put on a remarkable showcase in the paint, tormenting the Red Raiders’ defense. Groves’ imposing physicality allowed him to establish a strong presence in the post, where he consistently bullied his way to the basket. His 20 points and 9 rebounds led the Sooners’ scoring effort, and he played a pivotal role in controlling the boards, securing 5 offensive rebounds.
2. Improved Three-Point Shooting
Oklahoma’s perimeter shooting has been a subject of concern throughout the season, but they showed significant improvement against Texas Tech. The Sooners knocked down 10 three-pointers, with senior guard Jacob Groves leading the charge with 4 successful attempts. This newfound accuracy from beyond the arc greatly expanded the Sooners’ offensive repertoire and kept the Red Raiders’ defense honest.
3. Defensive Adjustments Limit Tech’s Leading Scorer
Coming into the game, Texas Tech’s Terrence Shannon Jr. averaged an impressive 19 points per game. However, the Sooners’ defense implemented a strategic game plan to neutralize his impact. Oklahoma employed a box-and-one defense, with multiple defenders swarming Shannon Jr. whenever he touched the ball. This tactic resulted in him finishing the game with just 8 points, well below his usual production.
In summary, Oklahoma’s victory over Texas Tech was a collective effort marked by Tanner Groves’ dominance in the paint, improved three-point shooting, and effective defensive adjustments. These takeaways will provide a blueprint for the Sooners as they navigate the remainder of their Big 12 schedule and strive for a deep NCAA Tournament run.
