OU's bench did it again

[AdaSooner]

I think it's safe to say that our back up players saved our bacon in today's game. With two of our starters in foul trouble and one injured in the first half, Neal, Booker, Hornbeak and Bennett logged a combined total of 70 minutes. Typical of their performance of late, OU's bench outscored UT's bench 23-19, while winning the battle on the boards by a 12-10 margin.

Remember when a number of posters, myself included, held our collective breath when Coach Kruger went to his bench? I'm happy to say we barely even notice when our subs are on the floor now. For brief periods in some games, they have actually played better than our starters.

We'll need a strong bench going into postseason play. Looks like we finally got one. :woot

 

[MNsooner]

It's pretty amazing. There were a couple times in the game when I breathed a sigh of relief because Bennett or Jelon checked in.

We just keep getting deeper as the season goes. Who would have thought our bench would become a strength in conference play?

 

[slappy in OP]

The bench has been fantastic. Coach has developed so much confidence and depth on our team. It is great for all of our players to know that the next guy in can pick up the slack.

 

[KCRuf/Nek]

I think it's safe to say that our back up players saved our bacon in today's game. With two of our starters in foul trouble and one injured in the first half, Neal, Booker, Hornbeak and Bennett logged a combined total of 70 minutes. Typical of their performance of late, OU's bench outscored UT's bench 23-19, while winning the battle on the boards by a 12-10 margin.

Remember when a number of posters, myself included, held our collective breath when Coach Kruger went to his bench? I'm happy to say we barely even notice when our subs are on the floor now. For brief periods in some games, they have actually played better than our starters.

We'll need a strong bench going into postseason play. Looks like we finally got one. :woot

Forget about the bench. I can remember holding my breath throwing it inbounds. It's nice to be able to play with plenty of ball handlers. I don't even mind seeing :neal in there. :woot

 

[RoninDenton]

Our bench has come on late in the season and that is what you need in the NCAA.

 

[BigTime]

Bench went from a weakness to a strength. I'm excited to see how the staff develops McNeace and Lattin.

 

[WaymanFan]

Good points, Ada. At the start of this season, I had confidence in 6 players...never expected Neal to elevate his game so much so late in his career, and wasn't expecting much from Booker. While I still hold my breath when Bennett is on the court, he has definitely made some great strides in the past month.