22 Hours
That is what is encouraging about this situation. Oklahoma State will have just 22 hours to rest and prepare for the Oklahoma Sooners after defeating Iowa State 81-67 minutes ago at the Ford Center. In a college basketball season, teams don't play back-to-back games very often, and a day of rest is even built into the NCAA tournament. That is what could ultimately benefit the Sooners.
Also working to the benefit of the Sooners is that all 5 of the OSU starters played more than 30 minutes. 6th man Obi Muonelo logged 25 minutes. Only two other subs played a combined total of 10 minutes. Basically all their major rotation players could have a bit of fatigue, especially in the second half.
Also, OSU probably wasn't expecting to get such a big challenge from the Cyclones who were winning 38-35 at halftime. Needing to battle back in the 2nd half probably required more energy than they thought they'd need.
Put Your Shoulder Into It
Marshall Moses, a forward for OSU, had a great game. But, I noticed that he frequently lowered his shoulder into an Iowa State post defender to create space, pivot and score. The Sooners post players should be a little bit stronger down low, but it's certainly something to keep an eye on since he basically had his way with the Iowa State big men.
Defend The Three but Don't Foul
Oklahoma State torched the Cyclones from beyond the arc. They shot 10-26 for 38.5% from three point land. About a third of their points came off of threes. 43 of their 81 points came from three point land or the charity stripe. Basically, the Sooners need to lock up their perimeter defense more than they have lately, and limit fouls. OSU was almost automatic from the line.
Get Yourself Pumped Up
If you haven't been to the Lloyd Noble Center this season, you haven't seen the intro video for the Sooners basketball team. It's obviously much better with the sound system at the LNC cranked up and everyone clapping and cheering, but here's the intro video:
Oklahoma Sooners 2009 Men's Basketball Intro (via soonersportscom)
Tune in at 6PM on the Big 12 Network to watch the game on Thursday (tomorrow)!