At Bedlam, Sooner offense finally erupts

Well timed offensive explosions propel Oklahoma in moment, perhaps later, too

Oklahoma’s Skylar Vann looks for options during the Sooners’

STILLWATER — Jennie Baranczyk was steadfast.

Her Sooner women had just endured another difficult victory, shooting 40 percent, but knocking off then-second-ranked Kansas State nonetheless.

“The offense is going to come,” she said.

At Gallagher-Iba Arena Saturday evening, it arrived.

In spurts, at least.

It was good news in the moment, Oklahoma State leading by eight points after a quarter and, though Oklahoma tied it halfway through the second, by seven points at the half.

Indeed, without three short-term explosions against their Bedlam rival, the Sooners would not have prevailed 81-74 in hostile territory.

Also, because it happened, OU moved to 15-6 overall and 9-1 in the Big 12 Conference, tying Kansas State in the league penthouse pending the Wildcats’ skirmish at Texas today.

Still, the best news for the Sooners may well be the timing, not waiting another game to find the mojo their offense found more readily Baranczyk’s first two seasons at the helm.

Because it happened on Saturday, perhaps it might happen a little more on Wednesday, when TCU visits Lloyd Noble Center. And, three days after that, when OU shows up at Hilton Coliseum to meet Iowa State, still a strong squad despite Saturday’s loss at Central Florida, it might happen a little more still.

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