2004. The last time Oklahoma State won a basketball game in Norman. That was also the last time Oklahoma State went to the Final Four. My how things have changed. The Cowboys are now playing for a .500 record, and perhaps a long shot post season miracle.
The good news is, the Oklahoma Sooners are terrible. They've lost 6 straight and are about to endure a fairly brutal (especially if you're OU) road stretch to close out the season. So we could either see a team that is fighting for their last shot at a win, or a team that has thrown in the towel completely. There is no doubt that Oklahoma State is the better team here, but it's Bedlam so anything can happen.
A few things to watch when the Cowboys and Sooners tip off at 7:00 on the Big 12 Network after the jump...
Can Keiton Page continue his dominance?
He's leading the team in scoring at nearly 16 ppg and has scored 82 points in his last three outings. He's an Oklahoma kid and this will be his last trip to Norman. I wouldn't bet against him. Expect another big game.
Can LeBryan get Naashhty?
The Sooners don't have a great defender that can match up with Page and Nash on the perimeter so there will be plenty of open looks for Lebryan. Can he hit his shots? Can he be physical? Basically, can he get Nashty and take the game over?
Can the Cowboys stay out of foul trouble?
It's no secret that we aren't very deep. It's also no secret that the Big 12 officiating has been horrible this year. If the Zebras don't let Brown, Williams and Cobbins play physical defense - it's will be difficult. We just don't have the depth to compete with 1 or 2 of them on the bench in foul trouble.
It's not necessarily a marquee bedlam match up, but it should be a good game nonetheless. The Cowboys haven't quit and to me, that is amazing. They're obviously playing to get better and it appears that Page realizes the sun is setting on his collegiate career.
Give me the Pokes outright tonight. 81-72.