Welcome to Bedlam

James Anderson won Big 12 Player of the Year at OSU

By John Helsley

jhelsley@opubco.com

We posted the combined home record of all Big 12 teams in the Monday paper: 111-1.

Let me repeat that, 111-1.

Even Cowboys coach Travis Ford, who fully understands the value of the home court, blinked at that stat.

“Really? Really?” Ford asked in wonder.

“That’s amazing.”

Tonight’s Bedlam bash features two teams on opposite ends of the home front over the weekend. OSU rolled previously No. 22-ranked Texas Tech by 29 points in Gallagher-Iba Arena, while the Sooners were slugged by 30 at Baylor.

Tonight also introduces several key OSU newcomers to the ruggedest of road venues when it comes to being a Cowboy: Lloyd Noble Center.

And that figures to play crucial into a prime opportunity for the Pokes to pull off a cherished road win that would get them off to a smashing start in conference play. James Anderson, Obi Muonelo, Marshall Moses and even Keiton Page should be ready for what’s in store. How freshmen Ray Penn, Fred Gulley and Roger Franklin and transfer Matt Pilgrim perform could be the tipping point.

Penn, as the lone starter among that group, and the point guard, and paired in an emotional meeting with former Houston prep rival Tommy Mason-Griffin, shoulders heavy pressure.