Tip-Off Showcase | Oklahoma Overcomes Early Deficit, Fends Off Alabama 82-73

The Oklahoma Sooners took the court against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Tip-Off Showcase ready to dictate the pace and speed of the game. After winning the tip and scoring a quick two points off a dish from Buddy Hield to Ryan Spangler for a layup, the Sooners looked well on their way do just that. However, the game would take a quick turn as the Crimson Tide connected on 7-of-8 shots to start the game.

The barrage continued as the Crimson Tide found quick and easy layups to take a 26-10 lead early.

With the game beginning  to get out of hand, Oklahoma began to find their stride defensively as the half court trap yielded a handful turnovers. With a few points of turnovers, the momentum swung against the Tide. Trevor Releford picked up three fouls eliminating him from first half play as Jordan Woodard hit a 3-ball to cap off a 22-5 OU run. The result was a 32-31 lead with four minutes remaining in the half.

Going into the locker room, Alabama held a 41-40 advantage over the Sooners.

In the opening minutes of the second half, Releford's foul trouble woes continued as he picked up his fourth. Following him into troubled waters was none other than Retin Obasohan, another catalyst for this Crimson Tide squad. It was without these two players on the court that Oklahoma mounted their first half run.

The Sooners took a committee approach getting everyone involved in the offense as they rode a slim lead through the majority of the second half. Without holding a double digit lead, Oklahoma took the 82-73 victory to start the season off on the right foot.

Most Impressive Stat

Throughout the duration of the game, Oklahoma committed only nine turnovers with three of those coming in the first half.

Star Performers

The Sooners had foour players score in double figures on the afternoon led by Buddy Hield's 19 points. Cameron Clark had himself a decent night as well pouring in 14 points of his own. Jordan Woodard continues to impress as he put up 10 points to go alongside his 7 assists. You couldn't ask for any more from a true freshman point guard. However, Ryan Spangler may very well have stolen the show. With 15 points and 12 rebounds, Spangler recorded his first double-double of his career as a Sooner.