Five Thoughts on OSU’s 94-67 Loss to Kansas

BOX SCORE

Oklahoma State fell short in Allen Fieldhouse on Big Monday in what was a fun-filled first half capped by a resurgence of Kansas’ offense. The Jayhawks dominated for much of the game to cruise to a 94-67 victory.

1. More injuries

Tyree Griffin entered the game as the lone point guard on the roster….and suffered an injury just before the half that didn’t look too grand. Fortunately, Griffin returned in the second half. But he was visibly in pain and seen limping. With his return, it may not be as serious as it initially looked. Regardless, the Pokes are down to Griffin as their final true point guard on the roster. Let’s hope he can get back to full strength quickly.

2. That escalated quickly

Oklahoma State jumped out to a scorching start, scoring the first 8 points and held a double digit lead. But the Jayhawks ended the first half on a 23-6 run, and stole all the momentum headed into the half. The Cowboys creeped within six in the second half, but it was all Jayhawks after that. They blew the thing open behind Wayne Selden’s 18 and it wasn’t even close down the stretch. Not a diss to OSU, but there’s a real possibility we’re talking about this Kansas team deep into March. They were impressive.

3. The offensive strategy isn’t working

Ford has clearly stated his intentions on the offensive side of the ball: hold onto the ball and let the shot clock run down. If the Pokes can slow the game to a crawl, they feel they can win or keep the game competitive defensively. But by running the shot clock down and holding onto the ball, there are too many empty possessions as a result of lack of awareness or a scramble to get the shot off. I’m all for the keep-away game, but I’d also be all for running some offense or just praying all Mitch Solomon’s three pointers go in. Actually, I think maybe that was our offense. Which brings me to…

4. Mitch Solomon confidence is good

I’m one of several who have admittedly been too hard on Solomon this year for his sometimes lethargic play. Solomon came out firing out of the gate to open the game with the first three-pointer, and his aggressiveness was an encouragement in a less than exciting game in the second half. Even more encouraging: he didn’t foul out. He has struggled mightily with foul trouble this year, but he was aggressive when needed and kept his nose clean for much of the game. He finished with 9 points but also attempted 3 three-pointers, after coming in attempting 10 on the season. I thought it was one of his best performances of the season.

5. Rebounding is still an issue

Oklahoma State finished with 20 defensive rebounds compared to Kansas’ 29. Of course it could be argued that it’s hard to rebound when every shot goes in. Still, the Cowboys gave up a whopping 16 offensive rebounds. That’s way too many second chance opportunities being handed out. Those killed momentum, stalled runs, and was a big dagger in the plans for a repeat upset in AFH.