'That's in our stomach': OU basketball is hungry for revenge against Oklahoma State

Justin Martinez, Oklahoman
·4 min read

NORMAN — The Sooners just earned their biggest win of the season.

Stomping second-ranked Alabama 93-69 on Saturday in Norman, the Sooners snapped a three-game skid and leapt back in the NCAA Tournament picture.

But as OU prepares for a home game against Oklahoma State at 8 p.m. Wednesday, it isn't still hungover from celebrating its domination of Alabama.

All the Sooners have thought about the past few days is the last time they faced the Cowboys.

OU got laughed out of Stillwater on Jan. 18. It suffered a 72-56 loss in a game where it got outscored by 22 points in the second half.

That's what's on the mind of the Sooners, who are hungry for revenge.

"We turned the page right away back to Oklahoma State," OU coach Porter Moser said. "In the second half, they just took it to us. That's in our stomach. ... There's no worry of (players) basking in that (Alabama) victory."

More:Why Oklahoma's win over Alabama is big culture builder for Porter Moser, Sooners

Oklahoma forward Jalen Hill (1) looks to pass as Alabama forward Noah Gurley (4) guards in the second half during a basketball game between The Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and The Alabama Crimson Tide at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023.
Oklahoma forward Jalen Hill (1) looks to pass as Alabama forward Noah Gurley (4) guards in the second half during a basketball game between The Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and The Alabama Crimson Tide at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023.

OU has placed its win over Alabama in the past, but it can still build off the victory.

Several Sooners enter the game with some momentum following strong individual performances against the Crimson Tide.

Grant Sherfield got held to 15 points in the first Bedlam meeting, and all of them came in the first half. He bounced back against Alabama by recording a season-high 30 points, including 12 in the second half.

Senior forward Jalen Hill got contained to eight points and six rebounds in Round 1 against OSU, but he dominated Alabama by recording a career-high 26 points and playing elite defense on star forward Brandon Miller.

Then there's Tanner Groves, who played his best basketball of the season against Alabama. The senior center stuffed the stat sheet with 14 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks.

"Tanner's energy, Tanner's belief, it just spreads," Moser said. "It's contagious. ... I think his all-around game has been really good."

OU also distributed the ball better against Alabama.

The Sooners racked up 17 assists, their highest total in Big 12 play. The unselfish passing helped them erupt for a season-high 93 points on 57.6% shooting from the floor and 69.2% shooting from deep.

More:Big 12 basketball power rankings: Kansas State remains No. 1, but Sunflower Showdown looms

OU's Grant Sherfield (25) shoots a 3-point over Alabama's Charles Bediako (14) in the first half on Saturday.
OU's Grant Sherfield (25) shoots a 3-point over Alabama's Charles Bediako (14) in the first half on Saturday.

It's a stark contrast from OU's offensive performance against OSU earlier in the month. The Sooners only tallied 11 assists and shot 41.1% from the floor and 26.7% from deep.

"I think the ball kept on moving, even through the second and third options," Moser said of OU's passing against Alabama. "I think they’re going to build on that. ... The guys made some shots early. It kind of snowballed from there."

OSU is also entering Round 2 of Bedlam with some momentum.

The Cowboys have won three of their last four games, and their guard play overpowered the Sooners in the first meeting. Avery Anderson III and Bryce Thompson combined for 33 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists.

"Their guards are a handful," Moser said. "Just with their speed. Their shotmaking ability. ... They're playing really well, so we have to have a great defensive effort. Much better than the second half we had there."

OU will also have a home crowd on its side this time around.

The Sooners got blown out in the second half against the Cowboys, and the frenzied crowd at Gallagher-Iba Arena played a part in the 20-minute massacre.

But a season-high total of just under 11,000 spectators filled the stands at Lloyd Noble Center to watch OU upset Alabama. The Sooners will need another strong showing this weekend as they try to even the score with their in-state foe.

"That crowd Saturday was off the rails," Moser said. "It was the best I’ve seen since I’ve been here. And let’s just keep it going and make a difference."

More:Tramel's ScissorTales: OU basketball's rout of Alabama was a throwback to Billy Tubbs' era

Bedlam basketball ticket update

Due to inclement winter weather, OU will admit fans for free for Wednesday night's game against OSU at Lloyd Noble Center in Norman. Seats not occupied by season ticket holders or fans who had already purchased tickets in advance will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, click here.

Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State

TIPOFF: 8 p.m. Wednesday at Lloyd Noble Center in Norman (ESPN2)

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU basketball seeking seek revenge vs Oklahoma State in Bedlam rematch