Oklahoma Sooners MBB Open Season Against Southeastern Louisiana

The Oklahoma Sooners have won 21 consecutive home openers and are looking to extend that streak against Southeastern Louisiana. With a group of talented newcomers, Lon Kruger and this squad has been labeled as a sleeper on the national level.

Things To Know

Southeastern Louisiana

• Returning starter Upson had a solid outing during SLU's season opener against the Oklahoma St. Cowboys. During the match-up Upson recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. The only other returning starter, Joshua Filmore added another 8 points and 6 boards. It's clear that Jay Ladner, a first year head coach has some talent to work with. However, the biggest hit to the team came knowing leading scorer, JaMichael Hawkins, was lost for the season due to an injury.
• Southeaster Louisiana can flat out rebound the ball. Crashing the boards appears to be a point of importance as Coach Ladner saw his team outrebound the Cowboys. To pinpoint a weakness early in the season, it would have to be ball protection. Committing over 20 turnovers in a single game is not a number a coach likes to see often.
• SLU and Oklahoma have played once in program history. The occurrence took place in 1986 as the Sooners sailed to a 103-66 win over their opponent.

Oklahoma

• Looking for another experienced player to help Ryan Spangler in the blocks, Lon Kruger possible got his best news this season in the fact that TaShawn Thomas has been granted immediate eligibility. The decision provides Oklahoma with a real scoring threat down low, something that has not been seen since Romero Osby graduated.
• The Sooners pride themselves on defense and will continue to do so. During the preseason, OU smothered their opponents and forced difficult shot after difficult shot. In the first match-up Oklahoma held their opponent to .273 shooting following by .179 in the second outing.