Location: Tulsa, Okla. | Founded: 1963 | Enrollment: 5,100 | Colors: Vegas Gold, Navy Blue and White
Coach: Scott Sutton | Home Court: Mabee Center | Capacity: 10,575 Record:
(24-9, 16-2
Summit League)
FINAL RECORD 24-9 overall, 16-2 in the Summit League, first place.
WHAT WENT RIGHT ORU coach Scott Sutton took an unconventional route with his top scorer, G Robert Jarvis. The junior started three games, but Sutton felt Jarvis was more of a sparkplug coming off the bench. And the coach was correct, as Jarvis' 16.1 points per game was tops among the nation's reserves. Once a fast-paced team, the Golden Eagles became more defensive-minded this year, which paid off, as ORU didn't have the scorers like in years past. Oral Roberts' tenacious style helped the team lead the Summit League in scoring defense, allowing just 61.1 points per contest, which also set a program record.
WHAT WENT WRONG The Golden Eagles were dismal at the free-throw line all season, something that is very uncharacteristic of a team that was in first place and lost just twice in the conference. Oral Roberts shot just 67.0 percent from the charity stripe, which was last among all Summit teams. ORU also lost top reserve G Marchello Vealy for several games late in the regular season, including the loss to North Dakota State.
QUOTE TO NOTE "No one likes to get to this point and lose every year in the first round. I want to have success in this tournament. I still think it's the only way to elevate your program." -- Coach Scott Sutton, to the Tulsa World on Oral Roberts' future, as the Golden Eagles have made the NCAA Tournament three straight years, only to lose in the first round each time.
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