Inability to close out on 3's

[bearcreekfan]

One of the things that was so frustrating late in the game was Cousins going under the screen when Graham had the ball at the top of the key. Cousins did it twice in the last five minutes and Graham hit both 3's (in addition to the one he hit on the side after their offensive rebound). I suppose you could say that Spangler or the other big should've stayed out longer instead of diving with KU's big so quickly, but Graham was 6-9 from 3 and was obviously having the game of his season. I would much rather see Cousins force Graham to drive into the lane with Lattin and/or other help waiting than let him shoot such a wide open 3 and quickly turn momentum during a close/late game.

 

[MercedeSooner]

So so many teaching points from these games where we haven't just shot our way to Ws. We really were at a point where we were way too fast and loose on both ends because we shot our selves to easy victories. We need to be more fundamental on the defensive side and I really am hoping these losses are what drives Lonnie to nail this home and our guys listen.

 

[sdcloud9]

The difference is KU has a post player that you have to double down to stop, that creates open looks.

OU has no one to throw the ball to that can score inside, KU doesn't have to help down. Big difference between the two teams.

 

[bearcreekfan]

The difference is KU has a post player that you have to double down to stop, that creates open looks.

Not with those two shots, especially with Graham shooting so well for the game.

In both cases, we were playing man and OUr big didn't even attempt to go out to Graham, i.e. they stayed with their big. It was Lattin on Lucas the first time at the 4:49 mark, and Spangler on Ellis the second time with 3:02 left. Cousins went under both screens and got pushed down to around the FT line both times. Graham had so much room to shoot...and Bilas commented on it both times.

I agree that Lon will use those at teaching moments.

 

[WTSooner]

It appeared to me KU did more screening with their 5 man, which OU doesn't like to switch. Put Lattin in some situations where he probably didn't hedge enough. Our D was awful at times today.