OU basketball: From 0-16 to 3-3
Published: 1/30/2011 11:07 PM
Last Modified: 1/30/2011 11:07 PM
Be honest. When Oklahoma beat Texas Tech Jan. 18, you thought, "Well, at least they got one." No way was it, "Hey, this could kick-start a winning streak."
And yet that's just what Jeff Capel's Sooners have as of Saturday night's overtime victory at Iowa State. Three in a row. No more talk about going nearly an entire year without winning in the Big 12 Conference. No more talk about going well over a year without winning away from Norman.
And no more talk about an embarrassing 0-16 stumble through the Big 12 this season. Something that seemed plausible to a lot of folks heading into that game against the Red Raiders.
Nearly two weeks later, the Sooners are 3-3. They have a reasonable shot at going 4-3 against Baylor Tuesday night. And take a look at the league standings – the only four teams with a better record are Texas, Kansas, Texas A&M and Baylor.
Seriously, did you think that was possible after OU's 0-3 start? Wasn't it more like, "Just how long will the Sooners have to look up at the other 11?"
It's interesting what happens when a team sticks together and keeps fighting, even as others wonder what's the use. It's interesting how much easier that becomes when the hard work produces a tangible result.
Like one victory.
"They didn't throw a parade in Norman, but they probably should have for Oklahoma's win over Texas Tech," wrote Brian Smith of FoxSportsSoutthwest.com. "The victory should inspire confidence in head coach Jeff Capel and his ability to get this team to believe.
"After they lost to Chaminade, most believed the Sooners wouldn't even sniff a conference victory. No matter how bad the Red Raiders may be, it was vital for Capel to get a Big 12 win, both for the sake of his players and himself."
Capel, never lacking in confidence, would say mostly for the sake of his players. He'd be right about that. Prior to Texas Tech, their ability came into question more than Capel's coaching.
They have absolutely earned the right to take pride in what's happened since.
-- Guerin Emig
Written by
Guerin Emig
Sports Writer
