Big 12 Finals Recap

No. 1 Oklahoma State 65, No. 2 Texas 49
It’s often said that defense wins championships, and it’s pretty obvious that that was the case in this game. The Cowboys started out hot and took a 12-point lead into the locker room, but then when Texas came back within two points late in the game, it was OSU’s defense that allowed the ‘Pokes to run away with it. A 16-0 run made the score 63-45 with less than a minute to play.

In fact, the Longhorns only had two field goals, both in the final minute, in the game’s last 14:48. That’s not going to win too many games. When Daniel Bobik completed a three-point play to stretch the lead to 56-45, the deal was sealed. Terrance Crawford made sure there would be no comeback with two blocks in a row on the other end.

For the third straight game, Texas dug itself a hole, but against Oklahoma and Kansas, the Longhorns were able to come back. It looked like it might be the same story in the championship, but OSU closed the door.

“I’m just disappointed with the way we started this whole tournament, in terms of early in games getting down and getting ourselves in holes,” Texas coach Rick Barnes said. “Even with all of that, we still put ourselves in position to have a chance to win the game. But we didn’t do what we had to do to get ourselves over the top.”

Ivan McFarlin and Joey Graham, the Cowboys’ big men inside, both got into foul trouble, but Graham still managed to record 14 points and 8 rebounds and Crawford contributed some valuable minutes off the bench.

But defensively was where OSU really made its mark. Tony Allen, who led all scorers with 21 points, shut down Brandon Mouton, who had burned both OU and KU with late-game heroics. Mouton finished with just 6 points on 3-of-11 shooting. Allen, meanwhile, was named Big 12 Tournament MVP by the conference after the tournament. John Lucas, who scored 15 on Sunday, was another candidate.

Only one Longhorn scored in double figures, Jason Klotz with 15. Oklahoma State coach Eddie Sutton said he was proud of his regular season and Big 12 tournament champions.

“They play so hard,” he said. “I’m not sure I’ve ever been prouder of a basketball team than this one. They’ll always be very special.”

Player of the game: Tony Allen, OSU – The senior stepped up not only on offense with 21 points, but also on D, where he shut down Brandon Mouton.

Big 12 Tournament MVP: John Lucas, OSU – the guy just wins. He scores points and looks good doing it, but the bottom line is he just wins.