The Oklahoma Sooners maintain their perfect record, dominating Green Bay in an 81-47 victory.
The Oklahoma Sooners dominated the Green Bay Phoenix in an 81-47 victory on Saturday night, despite a close start in the first half. Initially, Green Bay closed the gap to a one-point difference, 21-20, with 5:43 left, but the Sooners took control. They launched a 15-0 run, finishing the half with a commanding 36-20 lead fueled by tight defense and efficient shooting.
The second half mirrored the first, with Oklahoma’s defense overpowering Green Bay, resulting in a 45-27 score in favor of the Sooners. Otega Oweh’s stellar defensive performance, marked by seven steals in just 24 minutes, was instrumental in their win, though he contributed 12 points as well.
Despite their struggles from the three-point line, Oklahoma maintained a 52% shooting accuracy overall. Their defensive intensity not only generated extra possessions but also enabled them to capitalize on 20 turnovers by Green Bay, converting them into 27 points. Inside the arc, they thrived, securing 44 points in the paint.
Apart from Oweh’s standout game, John Hugley (11) and Rivaldo Soares (13) made significant contributions off the bench, scoring in double digits.
Javian McCollum fell short of reaching double-digit points for the first time since the second game of the season, tallying nine points. However, his playmaking was impactful, recording eight assists despite the lower scoring output.
At 10-0, the Sooners stand among the four remaining unbeaten teams in Division I, credited to Porter Moser’s team’s exceptional performance on both ends of the court. Their athleticism and tenacity drive their aggressive style, facilitating high-percentage shots on offense and turnovers on defense.
The 34-point victory marked the second-largest win margin for the Sooners this season, following their 39-point win against Mississippi Valley State.
Their upcoming challenge will be against the UNC Tar Heels in the Jumpman Invitational in Charlotte. The Tar Heels, currently 7-3, recently faced a four-point loss to Kentucky. This matchup against UNC serves as the final significant nonconference test before the Sooners embark on Big 12 play, with three games remaining.
