He is, however, looking forward to showing his players film of the way they played.
"These guys can see a lot of things they’re doing wrong,” Ford said.
Point guard Byron Eaton can imagine how that will go.
"It’s going to be a lot of teaching moments for us,” Eaton said with a guilty smile. "We did some good things, but we also — we did a lot of bad things we can definitely improve on.”
Ford described OSU’s first-half performance as selfish, careless and just going through the motions. It wasn’t exactly the final tune-up he was looking for heading into conference play, but Ford also didn’t see a cause for major concern.
"We just weren’t ourselves,” said Ford, who was uncharacteristically subdued after the game. "I don’t think it was a step backwards; it was just one of those games.”
Eaton agreed: "I wouldn’t say it’s a setback; I just think we took this team lightly. We didn’t play to our potential. The good thing is we did get the win. Now we’ve got to come out and work tomorrow.”
While the Cowboys didn’t have a great statistical night — they were outrebounded 39-31 — they did force 23 Savannah State turnovers while committing just 11 themselves. They also held Savannah State to 36-percent shooting.
OSU didn’t trail after the first minute, and maintained about a 9- to 15-point lead throughout the first half and the first part of the second, thanks to a couple of runs.
Back-to-back 3-pointers by James Anderson with about 13 minutes to play were especially significant, giving OSU a 16-point lead.
"Just two big shots that we needed at the time,” said Anderson, who led OSU with 23 points. "It put us up ahead more, and we got stops on the other end.”
OSU turned up the defensive intensity late and went on a 15-0 run that started with about eight minutes to play.
"We were concerned about this team, Ford said. "I’ll be honest with you, I’m surprised it wasn’t closer, the way we were playing. We just didn’t play very smart tonight.”
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I agree with Texas, OU, and KU. But, have you seen Texas Tech play, they're terrible. I think they just lost to TCU at home. Baylor might be the one to worry about. My only goal for OSU is to make the tournament. I don't care if they're a 13 seed, just make it.
Texas, Kansas, Texas Tech and OU are the class of the conference. Colorado is always tough at home, as is Kansas State and Texas A&M. Baylor will be scrappy, and so will Nebraska. Not sure about I-State, but they beat that same Mercer that OSU played a few weeks ago. On the road it will be hard for OSU to compete, but at home, I believe they'll play with all of them. They'll probably finish 17-11 or 18-13 or something like that. They'll have a decent season, but this year it's all about learning the system, and getting in a groove and playing together. Right now I'd say this is a TEAM, and that might prove to be more valuable than a big banger inside. Of course, that's what we need, but OSU has quick hands, is very smart in its defensive play, and shoots for a high percentage. I wish they could get more rebounds (lack of size), and didn't commit so many mental mistakes. But they're working on it, and I think it will be a fun year in Stillwater. Let's everyone try to go to a game and cheer them on! They thrive on that you know!
FYI there are 16 conference games in the Big 12. But other than OU or Texas the conference seems to be pretty bad. So I don't know why they couldn't win half of them.
Ed, for OSU to finish at or below .500 for the regular season, they would have to go 5-13 in big 12 play. I think they are better than 5-13 in big 12 play, but like you said, time will tell!
Jacob, I was about to say something along the same lines as you.. Since Blake Griffin is so good, and OSU lacks virtually any post presence, He probably trumps two of our positions. Not to mention his frequent double teams helps his teammates more, thus one reason OU is probably better than OSU these days.
I'll give you Page over Davis (6th men), and maybe Harris over Crocker. The rest are pretty much washes IMO with Warren coming along with a bullet. Don't be blinded by the up and down style of play. If the Pokes were truly better than 4 of 5 than the Sooners then we'll see them fighting the Sooners for the Big XII title and not trying to stay above .500... Time will tell I guess...
I think as far as backcourts, OSU wins that argument hands down. OU wins the front court with both Griffin brothers, IMO. OSU doesn't really even have a front court. So, I guess as far as talent, OSU wins 3 to 2 based on guard play? But then again, B. Griffin is double the talent of any player on both teams. Maybe it is tied. OU is a good team this year.
I'll give you Blake vs. Kirkland, but Eaton is better than Johnson, Anderson is better than Warren, Harris is better than Crocker, and Obi is better than the other Griffin.
I'll give you Blake vs. Kirkland, but Eaton is better than Johnson, Anderson is better than Warren, Harris is better than Crocker, and Obi is better than the other Griffin.
Oh Louis, you are so cute. You should call JJ and Steve and go down to campus corner and grab a drink. You can talk about all the times you never stepped on campus for a class.
Gonna be another loooooonnnnggg season for this squad of lame-duck Cowboys. I can't wait till we lose this current crop of Sean Sutton players and see what Ford can do with some of his own type of guys. My gues...we win no more than 5 conference games, including NONE on the road.
Mike...there isn't a football player big enough to give some "beef underneef". Remember how Bowman was pretty big on the gridiron (somewhere around 6'3" 230#) but put him on the court and he was JamesOn plus 20 pounds. Even if you put Pettigrew out there, you are talking about a guy who would be about Obi's size. Big on the gridiron does not translate to big on the court.
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