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December 5, 2012 | Record: 7-1 (0-0 Big 12) | Gameday Central | Stats

Turning the Tables

Oklahoma boasts an offense that can score from any position on the court, but its nationally-ranked defense is setting the tone. The Sooners are 12th in the NCAA in field goal percentage defense (.316), seventh in 3-point field goal percentage defense (.200) and 15th in scoring margin (+23.9). And to turn the tables on opponents more often, it has been OU's scoring leader coming up with timely defensive plays in recent games.

Aaryn Ellenberg led all players in both scoring and steals the past two games, collecting 22 points and six steals versus Northwestern State, and 18 and three against Marist. In her last two games, those nine steals have contributed directly to 15 points off turnovers.

"Scoring is something I do," Ellenberg said, "but sometimes I feel like that is the only thing I'm known for. I want to improve in other areas too. Playing defensively is something that I'm trying to focus on, just being aware and attentive the whole time."

With 77 career games under her belt, Ellenberg's experience is helping her react instinctually. Her momentum-shifting defensive plays Sunday were keys to Oklahoma's 68-55 victory over a well-coached Marist squad. Ellenberg's midcourt pickoff of an entry pass led to a fast-break layup squashed the Red Foxes chances at pulling even at halftime. A similar stunt in the second half, followed by taking a charge, set the tone during a 10-0 run as Oklahoma escaped in the final eight minutes.

"When you get to really anticipate and use your instincts and stuff, I think that helps out in these types of situations," Ellenberg said. "And just going with it helps out."

Griffin's Growth

Nicole Griffin's improvement was the talk of the offseason. Now the junior center is proving hard work pays off as she is scoring 10.9 points per game, nearly twice her average the past two seasons. Watch the sneak preview clip from Sooner Basketball with Sherri Coale as Griffin describes her offseason transformation and be sure to check out the entire show on FS Southwest Friday at 2:30 p.m. Central and its replay on FS Oklahoma at 7:30 p.m.

Finals Week Focus

The official final exam period at the University of Oklahoma begins Monday. While this is generally a stressful time for students across campus, the women's basketball team has less of something than the average student: time. But having to come to practice and focus on basketball is more of a positive for the Sooners.

"I don't think it's a struggle for any of us because we come out here and it's kind of an escape from finals," junior guard Morgan Hook said. "When I'm out here, I don't think about anything but basketball. I think that's good for us and it's good to be in this environment to be a stress reliever."

The last day of classes is Friday, Dec. 7, something that makes the challenge of finals week a little easier.

"I've always kind of liked finals week because it kind of gives you time to breathe," senior guard Whitney Hand said. "You don't have classes. You have one test on one day or whatever. I've enjoyed it and we're always balancing basketball and academics so it's nothing new. I like it because you get more time to yourself so that's nice."

Clothing Drive

Sooner fans can help their neighbors in need by bringing spare cold-weather clothing and accessories to one of two upcoming Oklahoma athletics events, including the women's basketball game against North Texas on Thursday, Dec. 6.

OU's chapter of the Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) has organized the Warmer for Winter Clothing Drive. Donated items will be given to Norman's Food and Shelter for Friends, Inc., for dispersal to needy families in Cleveland County.

For more information on items in need and how you can contribute to the Warmer for Winter Clothing Drive, click here.

UP NEXT
The Sooners continue their seven-game home stand on Thursday vs. North Texas at the LNC:

Date	Opponent	Time
12/6	North Texas	7 p.m.
12/16	Vanderbilt	2 p.m.

Tickets | Full Schedule

MOST RECENTLY
Oklahoma ran its winning streak to six games after crushing Northwestern State and outlasting Marist:

Opponent	W/L	Score
Northwestern St.	W	96-35
Marist	W	68-55

QUOTABLE
Head Coach Sherri Coale
"It seems like there's always moments that if you can grab them and bottle them you can change the destiny of the game. I thought Whitney's save that Morgan converted -- and then Vegas followed that play by taking a charge at the other end -- that really gave us that cushion and that ignition that we needed."

Junior G Aaryn Ellenberg
"We see different teams that do similar things, so it makes it a little easier. But just sticking to the game plan and focusing on those key things like jumping to the ball and help defense, you just have to really perfect those little things. But we know what we're doing, you just have to do it."

Freshman G Nicole Kornet
"I was pretty pumped about (my first start). It's not the way you want to start with Maddie going down, but you take what you get and I was excited."

TEAM NOTES

The Sooners forced at least one scoring drought of three minutes or greater for each of its opponents since falling to UCLA on Nov. 14. OU has not allowed an opponent to score more than 30 points in a half in seven periods, since leading Oregon 55-35 at halftime.

Oklahoma is getting off to fast starts thanks to its stifling defense. Over the last five games, the Sooners are holding opponents to an average of 23 first-half points while holding teams to 28.6 percent field goal shooting, including a 17.4 percent success rate beyond the arc.

The Sooners' six-game winning streak is their longest since opening the 2010-11 season with seven victories. The longest prior to that was a 20-game winning streak during the 2008-09 season.

Oklahoma's 96-35 win over Northwestern State was its ninth largest margin of victory in program history. The Sooners have won five of their eight games by 20 or more points, putting them well ahead of their 10-year average of nine 20-plus point victories.

2012-13 Game Notes

INDIVIDUAL NOTES
Junior G Aaryn Ellenberg
Usually known for her 3-point proficiency, Ellenberg has nine steals in the past two games that have converted to 15 OU points off turnovers. Her second-half steal and layup, followed by a taken charge, versus Marist set the tone for OU's 17-5 run to finish the game.

Senior G Whitney Hand
Hand collected her sixth career double-double, and first of the season, with a monster game versus Marist. The senior guard had 12 points and career highs with 13 rebounds and three blocks.

Junior F Portia Durrett
The junior college All-America transfer is still learning the Sooner offense and defense, but that hasn't prevented her from making the most of her time on the court. Durrett leads OU in rebounds per minute (0.4) and trails only Ellenberg and Hook in points per minutes played (0.42).