ORU notebook: More of the same?
BY JIMMIE TRAMEL World Sports Writer
Thursday, November 29, 2012
11/29/12 at 2:32 AM
Before Oral Roberts played host to Oklahoma for the first time since 1995, Golden Eagles coach Scott Sutton said he would like to talk to Sooners coach Lon Kruger about a new contract to continue the series.
Wednesday night's game completed a 2-for-1 deal in which ORU played twice in Norman in exchange for one game in Tulsa. Sutton said he understands that if a new deal is reached, it will probably be another 2-for-1 arrangement. But he thinks the series benefits both schools.
"I think OU has a big presence in the city of Tulsa," Sutton said, adding that he thinks it would be smart for the Sooners to play a game in Tulsa whether it is against ORU or the University of Tulsa. "Hopefully this series can continue."
After OU's 63-62 victory, Kruger indicated he was open to the idea of future meetings between the Sooners and Golden Eagles.
Foul play: Steven Roundtree produced 14 points and eight rebounds, but watched critical stretches of the game from the bench because of foul trouble.
Roundtree picked up his third foul on a charge on the opening possession of the second half and took a seat. He returned later in the half and was tagged for a fourth foul with 11:22 remaining. When he returned to duty at 4:51, OU had closed a 12-2 run to tie the score at 56.
Sutton described Roundtree's foul trouble as "frustrating."
"By no means did the officiating cost us this game," Sutton said. But Sutton said Roundtree picked up a charge on a "bang-bang play" and got his fourth on a blocking call that could have gone the other way.
"As a coach you want the officiating to be consistent on both ends," Sutton said. "Until I see the film, from my vantage point, it was the same play and he got called twice for it."
Depth issues: OU used 10 players. ORU used eight players and was outscored 26-0 in bench points. The Golden Eagles' bench has been outscored by 93 points in games against Division I competition this season.
Sutton said he thought some of his players got a little fatigued. He wants to develop more of a bench so key players can get more rest. Warren Niles played 39 minutes against OU, Shawn Glover played 38 and Damen Bell-Holter played 33.
Associated Images:
Oral Roberts' Korey Billbury looks to pass while being guarded by OU's Isaiah Cousins during Wednesday's game. MATT BARNARD/Tulsa World
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