Wichita State vs Oklahoma Game Thread

[Cdizzle]

I'm just happy that Lon Kruger isn't a puss and is continuing this series. It has a little more pep in it with the recent transfer situation but I think it's a great game for both parties. This is the type of Big 12 opponent that gets me excited.

Kruger is a really great coach. Seems to be a decent guy and to mostly play by the rules, too. Not enough guys like that in CBB.

[pinstripers]

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=401169463

really balanced scoring

[Arizona Shocker]

I think you guys have covered it all. I might just add that Marshall earned every bit of his paycheck tonight with his adjustments and coaching down the stretch.

I will be in Wichita next week for the VCU game...can’t wait!!

[WSUwatcher]

[Reaves] creates offense. That’s what he does, and he’s damn good at it.

He's a streaky good offensive player, but tonight OU shot over (!) 50% from three except for Reaves, who was 2-8. And while watching the game on TV from out of town, I was struck by the multiple comments from the ESPN announcers -- who did a solid, candid, pull no punches job -- on his matador defense. Nothing against him, but Stevenson is a better player with a higher ceiling.

[asiseeit]

1. I think the rebound margin was the same as WV game but with us on top
2. 15 boards for TW...…..nice
3. Try not to get too down when we lose or too high when we win. One game at a time
4. OU has some shooters but not much down low or on their bench
5. Good minutes by MO
6. All the best to AR
7. We were really attacking the rim when we went on our 12-0 run. DD needs to do it once in awhile.
8. We have a lot of depth and we are still very young
9. Good learning game which hopefully will pay off in other big games
10. 10 - 0 on predictions YTD...……..tough one coming up with VCU.

[Rocky Mountain Shock]

Great game. So happy to have experienced it in person.

ES is one of those players that you HATE if he’s on the other team and LOVE if he’s on your team.

DD, we miss you. We’re holding a spot for you, please come back soon.

The ceiling for this team is stupid high. I don’t expect them to reach it, but if they just get close shocker nation is gonna be happy.

[BOBB]

PLAY ANGRY? YEP, ES gets it.

Good for him. Flush all that PC press conference shizz down the terlet and be authentic.

[shox1989]

What was the announced attendance?

10,727

[Shocker1976]

Kruger is a really great coach. Seems to be a decent guy and to mostly play by the rules, too. Not enough guys like that in CBB.

LK is my favorite coach in the Big 12 - 2

[pogo]

AR hit those last two 3's from a long ways out but watching him in the half court offensive scheme his position seemed to stand just outside the three point line and wait for a kick out pass on dribble drive penetration. Really he never moved more than one or two steps from one position the several times I just concentrated on watching him. I'll watch the recording and see if it was more than just what I saw. Shocks were on him and he had little room to maneuver and just looked uncomfortable. Glad the Shocks played the game to fit my prediction-AR will be held below his average and Shocks win.

[Eric]

Contrast that to Doug McDermott, who was ALWAYS moving to try and get open. Night and day difference.

[wufan]

Contrast that to Doug McDermott, who was ALWAYS moving to try and get open. Night and day difference.

I think a lot of it had to do with our defense. We were face guarding him a lot when he was off ball. No surprise HCGM knew how to shut him down and our players executed.

[Shockm]

A telling stat. OU had 5 players with over 32 minutes and one of them with 38. The sixth had 14 minutes and then they had one with 6 minutes. They have no depth.

[WuDrWu]

I can only speak for myself but it's easy to see why so few people want to buy tickets up top. I've been up there before on a tour, but never watched a game from the 2nd deck.

I don't want to be negative, but it sucks (and I didn't have to pay for the tickets so you can take the perceived value part of the argument out) too much to do again.

The view was fine, in fact better than I thought it would be. The steepness actually works in favor of the view and it's easy to get there (was thinking a lot more climbing but my memory is fading).

But the seats are indeed horribly cramped. At 6'2" I have no chance unless I'm on the aisle or empty seat next to or in front. And we won't even bother to discuss width. I have hockey season tickets and the seats must be 25% (at least) more spacious.

Food, drink and facilities readily available and IBA staff plentiful and helpful and engaging. Strong management imho there.

But the real drawback is you don't feel like you're part of the game at all. I could barely hear our fantastic band. The PA was fine, but at no time did I feel like the crowd was "into it" at all. In fact I was going to post after the game that the bowl fans were awful, until I read the many posts about how into it they were. You never knew or heard it up top. To me, the crowd getting into it and being a part of that is the number reason I attend a game in person. Maybe if it was packed up top it would make a difference, but nothing carries. I don't think I'd ever attend a upper deck event at IBA ever again, and if I thought about paying $30 (vs $65 to $150 per) ticket to do it...no chance no how.





Now for the game. Lots of good comments from the many great Shocker fans here so far. I'd echo many of them but I'll try to keep it fresh.

Take the ball to the cup. I was screaming that all game long, and I'm glad we got it figured out under 10. Last 10 minutes at least 7 layups and 7-8 from the line. Minimum.

Thought the officiating was below average. Missed several easy ones, both ways.

Felt like we were very lucky on the review near the end of the 1st half. Easily could have been a 5 point play that would have really put our guys in a hole going into halftime. Instead they wave off the made 3 and it's just 2 points. Lucky.

I was surprised at how well OU played D early, and how quickly that effort disappeared. They appear to be somewhat one dimensional and that's not going to bode well in the B12. They could (should) be better than ISU but don't see them much above 7. You just can't win day in day out shooting contested jumpers and being average (or less) on D.

That game should have been an easier game for us, but the guys should get a lot out of it anyway. I would have liked to see Fernandez and Gordon get their feet wet because we will need them down the road, but I understand why they didn't.

Sherfield's dime to Jamie around 10 was gorgeous and sparked the comeback. Our freshmen are really, really good. I thought De'Vion Harmon (#11), their 4* freshman was exceptional and I wouldn't trade either Grant or Tyson for him. I can't believe how good they are at being patient when it's called for and attacking when it's there. Very high basketball IQ and not at ALL afraid of the big stage or big shot.

Gregg Marshall had a great game. Just a reminder about how good he is....He's passed Nolan Richardson and Billy Donovan in wins this season. He's likely to be top 100 all time early next season. He outcoached #43 last night. ELITE. I love his passion for the game, his program and our University and city.

Like many, I can't believe how far Erik has matured in his game. He WILLS Play Angry. Heart and soul without a question.

I will keep saying it, but I LOVE how these guys play and carry themselves. Really easy to support and fun to cheer for and watch. Love love love the way they play the game.

[SHOXAAC]

A couple of quick thoughts.

OU only shot 30% inside the arc.
The Sooners only had 6 offensive rebounds.

We didn't play great, or shoot it well (40%/36%), but we defended and played with the intensity required to win this type of game. Now, on to VCU. GO SHOX!!!