OSU Still Not Attacking the Way Boynton Would Like Despite Career Night from McGriff

On Monday evening in Waco, Oklahoma State took 10 3-pointers in the first half. They had taken 10 the entire game against Texas just two days before. And while they were attacking the rim more against Baylor’s zone, they weren’t doing it enough for Mike Boynton’s liking.

There is a compelling case for shooting fewer 3-pointers if you’re the Pokes. They ended the Baylor game on Monday having hoisted 18 of them on Monday and hitting just five. The only two starters who shot them (Jeffrey Carroll and Lindy Waters) were a combined 1 of 8.

It wasn’t just about getting to the bucket, either. Boynton wanted to create a seam in Baylor’s zone, and he didn’t think OSU did that very well.

“I don’t think we played an attacking way,” said Boynton. “I think there were several opportunities in the middle of their zone to throw the ball in there and get some easier shots closer to the rim. We settled a lot for passing the ball around the perimeter.

“I mean until that last basket you know I looked up and we have nine assists and against a team that plays primarily zone that means we are not in a good flow offensively. Then you have to force shots playing one-on-one. It’s not going to be very good for us. I have to adjust that as a coach and then I’ve got to make my players execute better.”

One time OSU did get the ball to the post was on this entry to Solomon. I think this is what Boynton is saying he wanted more of against Baylor’s zone. It’s a fair point, especially with Solomon playing the best ball of his career and Yankuba Sima looking solid (despite 5 turnovers).

The positioning Solomon is able to get and the way he’s able to finish on an above average shot blocker here is amazing. Needs more attempts, has 1 so far #okstate pic.twitter.com/kEAXScIwia

— Dustin Ragusa (@DustRagu) January 16, 2018

One guy who did attack and get good looks all night was Cam McGriff who had a career high 16 points on 7 of 10 shooting. He took fantastic shots, hit nearly all of them and looked dominant at times. Dare I say it, he looked Joey Graham-like.

“This was the type of game we needed Cam to be good in because of that length,” said Boynton. “He’s the type of guy that can be aggressive and get down and score for us some. He was able to do that. We got some good production out of our bench.”

It wasn’t nearly enough, and it will be interesting to see how OSU’s offense bounces back on Saturday against a physical OU defense hungry for a victory in GIA.