Better Interior Defense Vital for Oklahoma State to Turn Season Around

Although the Cowboys don't have many big bodies, the paint needs to be protected at all costs.

Oklahoma State has had numerous problems this season, but without defensive improvement, none of those others will matter.

Although the Cowboys had a rough start to the season, they looked to be turning things around with a five-game winning streak to wrap up their nonconference slate. But with an 0-6 start to Big 12 play, those concerns have only grown stronger.

The Cowboys' most eye-catching problem is their stagnant offense, which has led to lengthy stretches without buckets. However, their defense on the interior has hurt them throughout the season.

Specifically, OSU has been the worst Big 12 team in that category since conference play began. Ranking 14th out of 14 conference teams, OSU has been unable to keep teams from attacking inside the arc.

Allowing 43.3 attempts from 2-point range, OSU allows teams to shoot 60% on those shots inside the arc. In its six conference games, OSU has been outscored in the paint in each matchup by an average of 20.7 points.

Despite those problems, the Cowboys’ solution could be simple. Of course, simply keeping teams out of the paint is easier said than done.

Yet, OSU’s defense from 3-point range has been among the conference’s best. Giving up just 15.5 looks from deep per game, OSU gives up the fewest in the conference. And considering its opponents shoot 30% from that range, giving up more looks from outside may be a viable strategy.

Points per shot heavily favor forcing opponents to shoot shots from beyond the arc. If OSU could give up more looks from beyond the arc, its defense would be unlikely to suffer, and it could allow for better offensive opportunities.

Specifically, if OSU gave up more shots from the outside, poor shooting nights from opponents could lead to long rebounds and easier scores in transition.

While the Cowboys have solid defenders on the perimeter, clogging the paint at all costs is an approach that could help them turn around an already taxing conference schedule.

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