OSU Crushes OU in Bedlam Game

Originally Published: Feb 13, 2010 3:23 PM CDT

Vitals | Recap | Box Score

Corey DeMoss
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

STILLWATER, Oklahoma – With Oklahoma starters Willie Warren and Tiny Gallon out, Oklahoma State used sharp outside shooting and dominance on the boards to cruise to a 97-76 win in the Bedlam series.

Warren did not make the trip to Stillwater because of an illness, and head coach Jeff Capel suspended Gallon before the game for unspecified reasons. Without their leading scorer and inside presence, the Sooners were not able to keep up with the Cowboys’ high-powered offense.

James Anderson was particularly dominant, scoring 27 points in the first half. With the Cowboys down 21-15 in the first half, Anderson led OSU on an 18-3 run to take a lead the Cowboys would never surrender.

At one point during that stretch, Anderson scored 11 of OSU’s last 14 points, including going 3-for-3 from behind the 3-point line. The Cowboys’ long-range shooting was a major strength all night. They made seven 3-pointers in each half and finished shooting 14-of-27 behind the arc.

The Cowboys’ long run gave them a 48-38 lead at halftime, but things just got worse from there. OSU went on a 19-3 run at the beginning of the second half and built a huge lead. OU responded by rushing contested shots, resulting in several short possessions.

OSU’s strong shooting continued, this time led by Keiton Page. After scoring eight points in the first half, Page started sinking 3-pointers and finished with 25. OSU’s lead was so insurmountable late that Anderson didn’t play for much of the second half, resulting in only four second-half points.

Tiny Gallon’s absence was obvious down low, allowing Oklahoma State to dominate the boards. The Cowboys pulled down nine offensive rebounds in the first half alone, including three on one possession. Oklahoma only pulled down one rebound in the first nine minutes of the second half.

Ray Penn also missed the game for Oklahoma State, and he will be out for the rest of the season because of a left knee injury. His absence was not felt nearly as much thanks to the performances of Anderson and Page.

James Anderson finished with a game-high 31 points with Page adding 25. Obi Muonelo also scored 17, and Matt Pilgrim scored 16.

Tommy Mason-Griffin came alive in the second-half, scoring 21 of his 30 points after halftime. Cade Davis scored 19 and Tony Crocker added 16, but no other Sooner scored more than four points.

The blowout loss essentially eliminates OU from NCAA tournament contention, and improves OSU’s tournament chances.