:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45648714/usa-today-8372190.0.jpg)
The Oklahoma Sooners entered today's contest looking to gather up their 16th win of the year. While momentum hit a rough patch during the first half, Lon Kruger and the rest of the crew persevered. Ultimately, the Sooners used the excitement from Isaiah Cousins slam to end the half to push to a 68-56 finish.
Three Takeaways
Ryan Spangler Should Have Never Played The 5 Position
Matching a career high 21-points, Ryan Spangler continues to tear through the rest of the competition. No longer being asked to play solely underneath the basket, the forward achieved new heights with the freedom to roam the perimeter. For the eighth consecutive game, Spangler poured in 10+ points. With most of the attention from the media being placed up TaShawn Thomas and now the potential of Khadeem Lattin, Spangler has quietly become the best post player on the roster. Constantly giving up the body on defense while playing with unmatched physicality, it's hard to deny the player this kid has become.
A Lead In This Conference Means Nothing
The Sooners jumped out to an early lead while the Horned Frogs struggled to hit the bottom of the net. However, TCU came thundering back with a 14-4 run securing a 28-21 lead. As my mind turned to Monday's contest against a top ranked opponent, the potential for a trap game became a reality. Fortunately, OU used a 10-0 run to close out the half and take a 31-28 lead before pulling away in the second half. The occasion marks the 4th consecutive win for Oklahoma who now owns the longest winning streak in the Big XII.
The Defense Continues To Shine
To date, Oklahoma has played 23 games while holding their opponent under their scoring average in 20 of those contests. The athleticism of the bigs remains a vital part of the success on the defensive end of the court. Khadeem Lattin helped the Sooners record 11 blocks taking potential points off the board for their opponent. All in all, the Horned Frogs shot 31.5% from the floor...not a good enough number to down a top twenty-five program.