Oklahoma Sooners outlast TCU Horned Frogs, 77-69

Jan 22, 2014; Norman, OK, USA; TCU Horned Frogs guard Kyan Anderson (5) drives to the basket while being defended by Oklahoma Sooners forward Tyler Neal (15) and guard Isaiah Cousins (11) during the first half at Lloyd Noble Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Another upset from the TCU Horned Frogs started to brew in Norman. Oklahoma dropped a game to the Horned Frogs a year ago and a conference winless TCU team tried stopping Lon Kruger’s squad yet again.

The 25th-ranked Sooners, like last season, would not be denied by the Horned Frogs on their home floor, though. In a tightly contested game, Oklahoma prevailed with a 77-69 victory.

For the third straight game, Oklahoma could not reach its season average of 80+ points. But getting there has not come easy.

Kansas State and Baylor forced Oklahoma out of their comfort zone, but the Sooners managed to nab one on the road in Waco. In this game, however, Oklahoma truly was forced to make defensive plays.

TCU would not shy away from the Sooners, and if it weren’t for Oklahoma’s 13 steals, this one could have been a lot different.

Oklahoma found some momentum in spurts. No player truly carried the team, but Cameron Clark’s 15 gave Oklahoma some comfort. Clark was able to knock down three treys, but Buddy Hield led the Sooners with 16 points and five assists.

Ryan Spangler was a rebounding machine per usual, finishing the night with 16 boards and 13 points. We’re also starting to see D.J. Bennett make some big strides in his game. He’s a big body, something OU lacks, and ended the night with two blocks and four points in his eight minutes on the floor.

It was an extremely quiet night from starting point guard Jordan Woodard, though, Je’lon Hornbeak put in 10 buckets off the bench.

Oklahoma has seen success executing small runs, but as the Sooners tried building a lead, the Horned Frogs were able to close the gap.

The Sooners only led by four at halftime, and the Frogs tied the game multiple times in the second. OU was able to put away TCU late, though, with free throws and a dagger Ryan Spangler three-point shot.

TCU remains winless in conference play, while the Sooners earn their 15th win of the season and now 4-2 in Big 12 action.

Oklahoma moves in to a three-way tie for second in the conference with the Texas Longhorns and Kansas State Wildcats. The Sooners should have a winnable one in Lubbock this weekend, but have a tough test in the Oklahoma State Cowboys coming next Monday.

The TCU Horned Frogs began the season 9-3, but have lost six straight with the loss to Oklahoma.

These two will meet once more in Fort Worth in both team’s regular season finales March 8.