JimBob
01-21-2008, 08:09 AM
OSU breakdown
By JIMMIE TRAMEL World Sports Writer
1/21/2008
Looking back
OSU failed to capitalize on two chances to end a nearly two-year-old road losing streak. The Cowboys committed 22 turnovers and missed a season-high 15 free throws in a loss at Baylor. The Pokes gave up a 10-point first-half lead and shot 20 fewer free throws than Iowa State in a subsequent defeat.
The week ahead
Monday: vs. Texas, 8 p.m.
Saturday: vs. Texas A&M, 1 p.m.
Oklahoma State is unbeaten at home this season. Will that statement still be true at the end of the week? The Cowboys will get their two toughest homecourt tests thus far when they do the Texas two-step against the Longhorns and Aggies in consecutive games. Texas has a two-game losing streak at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Texas A&M dealt a 66-46 whipping to OSU in Stillwater last season, but the Cowboys got revenge in the Big 12 Tournament.
The big picture
Is a 16-game road losing streak weighing heavily on OSU players?
"It's really not that big of a deal. Not to us," said sophomore guard Obi Muonelo. "We know we can win. Every game we go on the road, we think we're going to win." The Cowboys, following consecutive home games, will play back-to-back road games at Oklahoma and Texas Tech.
Is Terrel Harris playing the best ball of his career?
Yes and no. Harris was OSU's most effective offensive weapon last week. He scored a total of 40 points in games against Baylor and Iowa State, falling one point short of matching the highest two-game total of his career. But the junior guard also totaled 13 turnovers. That's not an acceptable figure.
Was there a common denominator in road losses last week?
In both games, OSU didn't do enough sharing. The Cowboys managed two second-half assists at Baylor and three second-half assists at Iowa State. Widespread selfishness doesn't seem to be the issue. When the offense bogs down, players resort to solo tactics out of necessity or desperation.
By JIMMIE TRAMEL World Sports Writer
1/21/2008
Looking back
OSU failed to capitalize on two chances to end a nearly two-year-old road losing streak. The Cowboys committed 22 turnovers and missed a season-high 15 free throws in a loss at Baylor. The Pokes gave up a 10-point first-half lead and shot 20 fewer free throws than Iowa State in a subsequent defeat.
The week ahead
Monday: vs. Texas, 8 p.m.
Saturday: vs. Texas A&M, 1 p.m.
Oklahoma State is unbeaten at home this season. Will that statement still be true at the end of the week? The Cowboys will get their two toughest homecourt tests thus far when they do the Texas two-step against the Longhorns and Aggies in consecutive games. Texas has a two-game losing streak at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Texas A&M dealt a 66-46 whipping to OSU in Stillwater last season, but the Cowboys got revenge in the Big 12 Tournament.
The big picture
Is a 16-game road losing streak weighing heavily on OSU players?
"It's really not that big of a deal. Not to us," said sophomore guard Obi Muonelo. "We know we can win. Every game we go on the road, we think we're going to win." The Cowboys, following consecutive home games, will play back-to-back road games at Oklahoma and Texas Tech.
Is Terrel Harris playing the best ball of his career?
Yes and no. Harris was OSU's most effective offensive weapon last week. He scored a total of 40 points in games against Baylor and Iowa State, falling one point short of matching the highest two-game total of his career. But the junior guard also totaled 13 turnovers. That's not an acceptable figure.
Was there a common denominator in road losses last week?
In both games, OSU didn't do enough sharing. The Cowboys managed two second-half assists at Baylor and three second-half assists at Iowa State. Widespread selfishness doesn't seem to be the issue. When the offense bogs down, players resort to solo tactics out of necessity or desperation.