Looking to snap a two-game losing streak and climb in the West Conference standings, Tulsa can do both on Thursday night when the Austin Toros come to town. Austin's visit to the Convention Center comes two nights after Austin posted a 95-87 victory in Austin.
The 66ers welcomed back Thunder designated players B.J. Mullens and Kyle Weaver prior to Tuesday night's battle deep in the heart of Texas, and both responded with solid games. Weaver had 15 points and 10 boards while Mullens scored a team-high 21 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Their combined 18 rebounds helped Tulsa own a 44-39 rebounding advantage over the Toros.
Tulsa needs to find its stride quickly on Thursday and jump out to the fast starts it saw in its last two home wins over Maine and Springfield. The Austin game starts an important set of four home games in five days for the 66ers, and perhaps none of the four games are more important than Austin on Thursday night. A win could set the tone for the homestand and remind the 66ers they can play with any team in the league.
How does Tulsa do that?
1. Be more aggressive. Tulsa shot just 14 free throws on Tuesday night while Austin had 38 attempts.
2. Cut down on turnovers. Tulsa had 22 on Tuesday night, including seven from very reliable point guard Mustafa Shakur.
3. Find the chemistry. Weaver and Mullens are back. Chris Richard is gone again after being signed by the Bulls ... again. Working Mullens into the lineup isn't as hard as finding a spot for Weaver. Deron Washington seemed to have a rough night on Tuesday after being supplanted in the lineup by Weaver. Washington and Ehambe were potent against the East teams in Tulsa. Here's hoping they find their stride again when they return to Tulsa.
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