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OU vs WVU

Considering how poorly we played. We're ALL transition offensively at the moment thanks to Lattin and Spangler. They both came out of their defensive funks. Offensively, we're not there and we're prime for the taking especially as we head to tourney time.

If our offense doesn't kick in, we're likely one and done in the tourney.

Boomer Sooner
It was a VERY significant win. Spangler and Lattin combined for 17 points, but equally important was they combined for 19 rebounds. Additionally VERY important was Buford and McNeace combined for 6 rebounds in 24 combined minutes. Been saying for weeks now, production and DEPTH in the paint is the KEY to this team having a chance to win it all.

Only got to watch the last 12 minutes of the game today, but we looked like we did a month ago, and that's one of the best team's in the nation. We REALLY needed a game like this today. Uber critical. It's time to start peaking and making a strong finish.
 
As I said a few days ago, every team this season has hit a slump. The Big XII was a very unique conference this year in that they had so many many teams with multiple veteran players. These teams know each other.

Despite some rough play lately, this team has only lost 2 "bad" games. Both on the road and one by 2 points. The other losses were to Kansas twice, both close, and Iowa State close on the road. That's why we're still a 1 seed if we win out. Hardly a better resume in the country.

Don't forget that we blasted #1 Villanova by 23 in a neutral site. That's what I'm talking about when I'm saying teams outside the Big XII won't play us the same. They'll want to run the floor and try and keep pace...we run better.
what is the nice thought about a slump is that you aren't getting buried in a loss. The conference is most likely the most competitive conference in the nation as far as Bball is concerned. The loss at home via Kansas hurts...but we have also had games recently that went down to the wire that we did win. I don't see a dominant team out there...so it is all about veteran players...and needing to hit some more shots. UWV is no slouch...they will make a good run in the tournament.It was a great win and will help with seedings...
 
It was a VERY significant win. Spangler and Lattin combined for 17 points, but equally important was they combined for 19 rebounds. Additionally VERY important was Buford and McNeace combined for 6 rebounds in 24 combined minutes. Been saying for weeks now, production and DEPTH in the paint is the KEY to this team having a chance to win it all.

Only got to watch the last 12 minutes of the game today, but we looked like we did a month ago, and that's one of the best team's in the nation. We REALLY needed a game like this today. Uber critical. It's time to start peaking and making a strong finish.
funny you mentioned McNeace...he looked like the infamous deer in the headlights when he first came in, but I think he and Buford are a huge part of our future.
 
funny you mentioned McNeace...he looked like the infamous deer in the headlights when he first came in, but I think he and Buford are a huge part of our future.
Saw him in the KU game getting some "meaningful" minutes. We NEED he and Buford to be able to contribute minutes for a deep run in the Tourney. Coach Kruger knows what he's doing.

This team "could" now be poised for the run Plaino has been talking about. What I saw today in the 2nd half was a huge turnaround...all due to the guys in the paint.
 
McNeace, Buford and James get me excited for next season. James could be a lot like Nolan Johnson and Buford and McNeace have so much potential. If Woodard returns, and I'm sure he will, these guys could be a big surprise next year.
 
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It was a VERY significant win. Spangler and Lattin combined for 17 points, but equally important was they combined for 19 rebounds. Additionally VERY important was Buford and McNeace combined for 6 rebounds in 24 combined minutes. Been saying for weeks now, production and DEPTH in the paint is the KEY to this team having a chance to win it all.

Only got to watch the last 12 minutes of the game today, but we looked like we did a month ago, and that's one of the best team's in the nation. We REALLY needed a game like this today. Uber critical. It's time to start peaking and making a strong finish.
Never said it wasn't a significant win. In fact, I posted it was a great win...considering. Let me explain.

We bucked some trends today from the last 4 games (3 losses).

Our transition game was excellent and was ignited by our 46-33 rebound edge, our 8-12 turnover edge, and our 9-2 block shots edge. Our big guys came to play which was the turning point. Those stats usually correlate to high transitional scoring and shooting %. Spangler and Lattin, in particular, came alive today after a very dreary last 4 games. Even with this success, we were only up 4 points with 3 minutes to play.

Half court, we remain sluggish which continues trends in our previous 4 games. Thank goodness WVU shot terribly much of which is based on points made above regarding our big guys coming up large. With our fabulous transition scoring, we shot 40% to their 33% (they shot a better 3 point % 33-29 and FT % 72-66 -- we've been missing many clutch FT's of late for a team positively noted for that stat).

In comparison to our last 4 games (3 losses and a last second squeaker win against Texas), we have been outrebounded 124-134, committed more turnovers 42-36, been out blocked 4-7. These are stats that are significant regarding transition opportunities in low scoring margins.

In the above span, we were outshot 38% (86 of 223) - 45% (100 of 222), underperformed on 3's 30% (31 of 101) - 37% (30 of 81), but shot a better FT % 76 (64 of 83) - 64% (51 of 77). It appears clear that our opponents were more successful in the paint/transition game (made 14 more baskets in virtually the same amount of shots) and were much more productive from the arc (made 1 less shot in 20 fewer attempts). Again, in games decided by just a few points, we have been out played where it counts most. We've been bailed out somewhat by our FT advantage or things might appear even worse.

Ugly trends for this time of year. Perhaps, this WVU game will get us back on track.

Boomer Sooner
 
McNeace, Buford and James get me excited for next season. James could be a lot like Nolan Johnson and Buford and McNeace have so much potential. If Woodard returns, and I'm sure he will, these guys could be a big surprise next year.
Woodward will be back in the same manner that Buddy came back. Quite honestly?...I love having players for the full run in the program. Yes we may have a Wayman or Blake every now and then..but love seeing these guys develop and play as a team.
 
Never said it wasn't a significant win. In fact, I posted it was a great win...considering. Let me explain.

We bucked some trends today from the last 4 games (3 losses).

Our transition game was excellent and was ignited by our 46-33 rebound edge, our 8-12 turnover edge, and our 9-2 block shots edge. Our big guys came to play which was the turning point. Those stats usually correlate to high transitional scoring and shooting %. Spangler and Lattin, in particular, came alive today after a very dreary last 4 games. Even with this success, we were only up 4 points with 3 minutes to play.

Half court, we remain sluggish which continues trends in our previous 4 games. Thank goodness WVU shot terribly much of which is based on points made above regarding our big guys coming up large. With our fabulous transition scoring, we shot 40% to their 33% (they shot a better 3 point % 33-29 and FT % 72-66 -- we've been missing many clutch FT's of late for a team positively noted for that stat).

In comparison to our last 4 games (3 losses and a last second squeaker win against Texas), we have been outrebounded 124-134, committed more turnovers 42-36, been out blocked 4-7. These are stats that are significant regarding transition opportunities in low scoring margins.

In the above span, we were outshot 38% (86 of 223) - 45% (100 of 222), underperformed on 3's 30% (31 of 101) - 37% (30 of 81), but shot a better FT % 76 (64 of 83) - 64% (51 of 77). It appears clear that our opponents were more successful in the paint/transition game (made 14 more baskets in virtually the same amount of shots) and were much more productive from the arc (made 1 less shot in 20 fewer attempts). Again, in games decided by just a few points, we have been out played where it counts most. We've been bailed out somewhat by our FT advantage or things might appear even worse.

Ugly trends for this time of year. Perhaps, this WVU game will get us back on track.

Boomer Sooner
You did say we played poorly though. Maybe it was in the first half, but the last 12-14 minutes of the game, we played very well. On the road against a top 10 team...we played exceptionally well.

I'm thinking Plaino is right again regarding a brief mini slump where Coach Kruger got our starters some rest and backups some experience. Which could/should lead to the team being better prepared for a run at the NC. We will see. The big guys are still the key and they looked much improved today from what I saw.
 
You did say we played poorly though. Maybe it was in the first half, but the last 12-14 minutes of the game, we played very well. On the road against a top 10 team...we played exceptionally well.

I'm thinking Plaino is right again regarding a brief mini slump where Coach Kruger got our starters some rest and backups some experience. Which could/should lead to the team being better prepared for a run at the NC. We will see. The big guys are still the key and they looked much improved today from what I saw.
I agree the last 3 minutes of the game was Sooner Magic. Haven't seen much of it lately.

The reason, though, we only had a 2 point lead at the half despite blowing out WVU in every facet of the game but one was our INEPT half court game. Too much unnecessary and unproductive guard dribbling around the perimeter and one-on-one individualistic guard offensive play. It sticks out like a sore thumb. In a 3 guard set, the fact that our guards are not driving more to the basket in our half court game is stunningly awful to me. We have the talent or so it seems.

WVU made 10 of their 12 turnovers in the 1st half. We solidly outrebounded them, out shot blocked them and ran them off the court with our numerous fast break transitional opportunities. Yet, we only led by 2. Worries?

Our terrible half court game nearly cost us in the 2nd half as well as we were only up by 4 with 3 minutes remaining. WVU's atrocious shooting in that half was our saving grace. We were able to go transitional wild in the game's last 3 minutes and destroyed them especially from the FT line.

Hield seems to be a terrible ball handler which may explain why he is reluctant to drive to the basket in the half court game. Our opponents WANT him to dribble and afford him that honor. He becomes "turnover Buddy" too often in these moments. His forte is that he mainly gets what the announcers cite as "garbage 3's" referring to his numerous fast break transitional opportunities. Still, he prefers the long-distance outside shot rather than driving to the basket for the higher % shot. Put a defender on him in the half court and he's usually toast.

Spangler has no confidence shooting from the outside. Teams dare him to take the 3 and his man backs off 10 feet in those situations. What's frustrating to me is I know Spangler and Lattin are probably able scorers from 8-12 feet from the basket but neither they nor our guards avail themselves of this type of game.

We're an easy team to figure out and plan for. The other guys have adjusted plenty of late and target our weaknesses while we continue making little to no effort to adjust.

IMHO, if we don't get a grip on our half court game by playing more team oriented BB, we're likely to be in for an early exit in the tourney.

Boomer Sooner
 
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Damn, ftworth, you sound like you know what you're talking about. Good last couple of posts, especially the statistical break down of the last four games and yesterday's win. It was great seeing Spangler and Lattin make big contributions in this game and I agree, they both need to shoot more from 8-12 feet. But your comments about our struggles with the half court offense, which the announcers mentioned several times during the game, is obvious and is easy for other teams to predict and defend.
 
When there were eight minutes left, I didn't think there was any way. The game was tied or within a point or two. But OUr guys looked tired. I thought that the press would wear the Sooners down and West Virginia would pull away. But the opposite happened. OUr guys made some serious mistakes. When was the last time two different players got Teed Up in the same game?

But they were different yesterday. Buddy said something afterward that seemed to pinpoint it. Lon had told them that they didn't look like they were having fun the last two times out. So they went out and just played. It will be interesting to see if they can play that way, when one loss ends your season. But that was a big big win. They said that was the toughest ticket in Morgantown this year. And the Sooners still prevailed.

It kills me when OUr guards go of for two in one trip to the line, which both Woodard and Cousins did yesterday. But they shook it off and just kept playing. I think they got a little edge back yesterday. And with the press a big factor, Walker played more minutes than usual, and made a decent contribution. Still wish that James was healthy. I don't think he played two minutes.

It is getting close to winnin' time. Bedlam Wednesday a visit to Austin and then Baylor in Norman a week from Tuesday. A very important stretch. Then TCU there to wrap up the reg season.

If 4-2 to finish gets us a two seed, I'd be good with that. And then a chance to do something no Sooner team has done since Kelvin got fired.
 
I agree the last 3 minutes of the game was Sooner Magic. Haven't seen much of it lately.

The reason, though, we only had a 2 point lead at the half despite blowing out WVU in every facet of the game but one was our INEPT half court game. Too much unnecessary and unproductive guard dribbling around the perimeter and one-on-one individualistic guard offensive play. It sticks out like a sore thumb. In a 3 guard set, the fact that our guards are not driving more to the basket in our half court game is stunningly awful to me. We have the talent or so it seems.

WVU made 10 of their 12 turnovers in the 1st half. We solidly outrebounded them, out shot blocked them and ran them off the court with our numerous fast break transitional opportunities. Yet, we only led by 2. Worries?

Our terrible half court game nearly cost us in the 2nd half as well as we were only up by 4 with 3 minutes remaining. WVU's atrocious shooting in that half was our saving grace. We were able to go transitional wild in the game's last 3 minutes and destroyed them especially from the FT line.

Hield seems to be a terrible ball handler which may explain why he is reluctant to drive to the basket in the half court game. Our opponents WANT him to dribble and afford him that honor. He becomes "turnover Buddy" too often in these moments. His forte is that he mainly gets what the announcers cite as "garbage 3's" referring to his numerous fast break transitional opportunities. Still, he prefers the long-distance outside shot rather than driving to the basket for the higher % shot. Put a defender on him in the half court and he's usually toast.

Spangler has no confidence shooting from the outside. Teams dare him to take the 3 and his man backs off 10 feet in those situations. What's frustrating to me is I know Spangler and Lattin are probably able scorers from 8-12 feet from the basket but neither they nor our guards avail themselves of this type of game.

We're an easy team to figure out and plan for. The other guys have adjusted plenty of late and target our weaknesses while we continue making little to no effort to adjust.

IMHO, if we don't get a grip on our half court game by playing more team oriented BB, we're likely to be in for an early exit in the tourney.

Boomer Sooner
Our defense might've had a LOT to do with WVs poor offensive performance. Our half court offense is what it is. We do shoot a lot of 3's but we do drive to the basket quite often...but again, the key is our guys in the paint. If we are comfortable getting tha ball in their hands in the paint or dishes off drives, our 3-pt shooting accuracy is less of a factor. However, we're a good outside shooting team that can play defense. Again, our chance at winning it all is dependent on our paint play. Beating a top 10 team on the road is big. I like what I saw...a lot.
 
Our defense might've had a LOT to do with WVs poor offensive performance. Our half court offense is what it is. We do shoot a lot of 3's but we do drive to the basket quite often...but again, the key is our guys in the paint. If we are comfortable getting tha ball in their hands in the paint or dishes off drives, our 3-pt shooting accuracy is less of a factor. However, we're a good outside shooting team that can play defense. Again, our chance at winning it all is dependent on our paint play. Beating a top 10 team on the road is big. I like what I saw...a lot.
I agree with what you say about our defense against WVU and posted as much above. When we outrebound our opponent, our chances for winning increases. I disagree, however, that we drive quite often to the basket. We do when transition dictates but mostly avoid it as a viable option of adjustment to our poor arc shooting. We, instead, seem to embrace that classic definition of insanity.

Why do you post our half court offense is what it is? It IS what we make it (including adjustments)and we've made it defendable and exponentially high risk. We usually weave aimlessly around the perimeter until the player with the ball within 5 seconds of the shot clock throws one up. Nice strategy and not too creative in my book making it an exploitable weakness.

In the 1st half of the season when we were dominant, we were clicking in all phases of the game including the half court and we would open up healthy double-digit halftime leads that would eventually expand. That trend has evaporated in the 2nd half because our often cold half court game has either been defended well through adjustments or our shot selection/shooter from the arc has gone/continues to go awry.

A reduction - no matter how marginal it seems - in our 3 point accuracy is an unfavorable trend that has come back in the 2nd half of the season to bite us deep. Missed 3 pointers usually bounce farther away from the rim making Spangler and Lattin less effective in the paint with put back attempts and rebounding - their specialty.

Rebounding is a major defensive key and favorable stats most often correlates into a better transition game. Easy points for sure. That favorable statistical trend which has been absent in recent weeks suddenly returned against a frigid shooting WVU in a big way despite our continuing unfavorable 3 point shooting trend. Seems we 've decided to live and die by the 3.

Our two top FG % shooters are Lattin (56%) and Spangler (55%). Neither takes enough shots (combined 11 shots/game) as opposed to 38 shots/game from our starting guards. Spangler gets most of his points in the transition game as he runs the court well in such situations and when he misses, he usually shoots FT's. Both positives.

In the 1st half of the season, Spangler was shooting 3's with the accuracy of our guards. In the 2nd half, he has all but abandoned the shot because of a string of horrible misses. No confidence anymore and his forte is not driving to the basket so he doesn't pick up any self-created scoring, fouls, or kick backs to an open arc shooter.

Spangler is not a terrible shooter and it seems his game from 8-12 feet from the basket is available at will right now. I'd rather see a miss here that can be rebounded by Lattin or others and put back for points than a wildly attempted and missed 3 that bounds far off the rim (fueling our opponents transition game) negating the strengths of our big guys under the bucket.

I feel similarly about Lattin and his scoring ability. He's not going to attempt any 3's (hasn't taken one all season) so his best opportunities are those that are designed (such as the inbound lob pass underneath the basket late against WVU) or created through his tenacious effort under the basket off a short and soft miss. He would benefit significantly and be more of a scoring force if we had our guards drive to the basket more often. He has super leaping ability and seriously long arms. I also believe his eventual niche will be as a shooter from 8-12 feet from the basket.

If we go up against a bigger front court game, we're in trouble since we have not established Spangler and Lattin as potential mid-range shooting options. This is fatal, IMHO.

Boomer Sooner
 
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I agree with what you say about our defense against WVU and posted as much above. When we outrebound our opponent, our chances for winning increases. I disagree, however, that we drive quite often to the basket. We do when transition dictates but mostly avoid it as a viable option of adjustment to our poor arc shooting. We, instead, seem to embrace that classic definition of insanity.

Why do you post our half court offense is what it is? It IS what we make it (including adjustments)and we've made it defendable and exponentially high risk. We usually weave aimlessly around the perimeter until the player with the ball within 5 seconds of the shot clock throws one up. Nice strategy and not too creative in my book making it an exploitable weakness.

In the 1st half of the season when we were dominant, we were clicking in all phases of the game including the half court and we would open up healthy double-digit halftime leads that would eventually expand. That trend has evaporated in the 2nd half because our often cold half court game has either been defended well through adjustments or our shot selection/shooter from the arc has gone/continues to go awry.

A reduction - no matter how marginal it seems - in our 3 point accuracy is an unfavorable trend that has come back in the 2nd half of the season to bite us deep. Missed 3 pointers usually bounce farther away from the rim making Spangler and Lattin less effective in the paint with put back attempts and rebounding - their specialty.

Rebounding is a major defensive key and favorable stats most often correlates into a better transition game. Easy points for sure. That favorable statistical trend which has been absent in recent weeks suddenly returned against a frigid shooting WVU in a big way despite our continuing unfavorable 3 point shooting trend. Seems we 've decided to live and die by the 3.

Our two top FG % shooters are Lattin (56%) and Spangler (55%). Neither takes enough shots (combined 11 shots/game) as opposed to 38 shots/game from our starting guards. Spangler gets most of his points in the transition game as he runs the court well in such situations and when he misses, he usually shoots FT's. Both positives.

In the 1st half of the season, Spangler was shooting 3's with the accuracy of our guards. In the 2nd half, he has all but abandoned the shot because of a string of horrible misses. No confidence anymore and his forte is not driving to the basket so he doesn't pick up any self-created scoring, fouls, or kick backs to an open arc shooter.

Spangler is not a terrible shooter and it seems his game from 8-12 feet from the basket is available at will right now. I'd rather see a miss here that can be rebounded by Lattin or others and put back for points than a wildly attempted and missed 3 that bounds far off the rim (fueling our opponents transition game) negating the strengths of our big guys under the bucket.

I feel similarly about Lattin and his scoring ability. He's not going to attempt any 3's (hasn't taken one all season) so his best opportunities are those that are designed (such as the inbound lob pass underneath the basket late against WVU) or created through his tenacious effort under the basket off a short and soft miss. He would benefit significantly and be more of a scoring force if we had our guards drive to the basket more often. He has super leaping ability and seriously long arms. I also believe his eventual niche will be as a shooter from 8-12 feet from the basket.

If we go up against a bigger front court game, we're in trouble since we have not established Spangler and Lattin as potential mid-range shooting options. This is fatal, IMHO.

Boomer Sooner
So you agree...the guys in the paint are the key. When they start being consistent again, our half court game will open up, along with more open looks at 3s. Again, I don't agree that we played poorly while beating a top 10 team on the road. I liked what I saw and it's encouraging. Time to get ready for the Dance.
 
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So you agree...the guys in the paint are the key. When they start being consistent again, our half court game will open up, along with more open looks at 3s. Again, I don't agree that we played poorly while beating a top 10 team on the road. I liked what I saw and it's encouraging. Time to get ready for the Dance.
Sorry, but in our half court offense, we've consistently - from the games I've watched (I haven't missed a televised game) - been getting wide open, uncontested, salivating looks at the basket from the arc. Teams have been working to stop Buddy, not the others. Woodard, Cousins (Mr. NBA distance 3 point shooter), James, Buford, Walker, and Spangler have not had obstructed views all season.

We're just not hitting them anywhere near our 1st half of the season consistency. Tired arms maybe?

We'll have to agree to disagree regarding how poorly we played against WVU in our half court offense. We excelled in all other areas (except FT shooting).

Boomer Sooner
 
Sorry, but in our half court offense, we've consistently - from the games I've watched (I haven't missed a televised game) - been getting wide open, uncontested, salivating looks at the basket from the arc. Teams have been working to stop Buddy, not the others. Woodard, Cousins (Mr. NBA distance 3 point shooter), James, Buford, Walker, and Spangler have not had obstructed views all season.

We're just not hitting them anywhere near our 1st half of the season consistency. Tired arms maybe?

We'll have to agree to disagree regarding how poorly we played against WVU in our half court offense. We excelled in all other areas (except FT shooting).

Boomer Sooner
Uhh...I didn't say we excelled at our half court game. I said what I've been saying for weeks, that our chances of winning it all and my concerns are our lack of depth and play in the paint. I also disagreed that we played poorly while beating a top 10 team by double digits on the road. Looking at it from the big picture, that's very logical. Here's hoping the bigs keep playing...we'll do well if they do.
 
Uhh...I didn't say we excelled at our half court game. I said what I've been saying for weeks, that our chances of winning it all and my concerns are our lack of depth and play in the paint. I also disagreed that we played poorly while beating a top 10 team by double digits on the road. Looking at it from the big picture, that's very logical. Here's hoping the bigs keep playing...we'll do well if they do.
Sorry, if I stepped on your toes. How clumsy of me.

But, we did play poorly in one particular area and that was my main emphasis. You missed it. Perhaps, during the dip.

I forgot. Am I leading or you?

Boomer Sooner
 
Sorry, if I stepped on your toes. How clumsy of me.

But, we did play poorly in one particular area and that was my main emphasis. You missed it. Perhaps, during the dip.

I forgot. Am I leading or you?

Boomer Sooner
You didn't step on my toes, so no worries. You just said we played poorly and that defied logic to me.

You're keeping score now??? Hmmmmmmmmm....

As for me, I hope we don't play our best game of the season until the last one.
 
You didn't step on my toes, so no worries. You just said we played poorly and that defied logic to me.

You're keeping score now??? Hmmmmmmmmm....

As for me, I hope we don't play our best game of the season until the last one.
My comment, "Am I leading or you?" was a dance reference which was the theme of my referenced post (stepping on toes, clumsy, dip, etc.). Sorry for the confusion.

Keeping score has no importance to me. Btw, one man's logic is another's absurdity. That's just life.

And we did play poorly in the half court. Hope that's not keeping score.

I'm done so the last word is yours if you so desire.

Boomer Sooner
 
My comment, "Am I leading or you?" was a dance reference which was the theme of my referenced post (stepping on toes, clumsy, dip, etc.). Sorry for the confusion.

Keeping score has no importance to me. Btw, one man's logic is another's absurdity. That's just life.

And we did play poorly in the half court. Hope that's not keeping score.

I'm done so the last word is yours if you so desire.

Boomer Sooner
LOL...ok. I'm a terrible dancer FYI, and apparently at interpreting some posts. I'm not motivated to work on the former, but will attempt to do so on the latter.

Regarding half court, I don't disagree. As I mentioned, we've been having issues particularly since Spangler and Lattin disappeared around late January. Prior to that, our half court game was very serviceable, especially for a team that focuses more on transition offense. Spangler and Lattin have been getting more rest, which helps both now and down the road. They are the key.
 
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In case anybody was wondering, WVU bounced back with a 10 point W over Iowa State last night and Baylor has KU in a dog fight right now.
 
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