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Led by Ryan Spangler's game high 18 point performance, the Oklahoma Sooners clinched the SEC/Big XII Challenge for the conference with the 82-63 win over the Missouri Tigers.
Throughout the first eight minutes of play, Kim Anderson and the Tigers dictated the style of play with aggressiveness displayed on both ends of the court. However, Isaiah Cousins provided the spark with three 3-pointers to rack up 11 early points. The junior finished the game adding another 5 points to his total on the night. As a team, the Sooners found their range shooting 50% from beyond the arc, connecting on 10-of-20 from range.
From that point on, the Sooners took control by forcing turnovers to get out into transition basketball.
Rewarding the big man for running the floor https://t.co/n5Wi7dABhn
— CC Machine (@CCMachine) December 6, 2014
The dunk clearly provided a confidence boost for Spangler who would find himself standing beyond the three point without a defender in sight on a pick and pop. Seizing the moment, the forward connected from three point land. You'd think teams would defend him on the perimeter but each time, defenders continue to back off.
You'd think someone would guard him by now...nope! https://t.co/0XeLUH4MRM
— CC Machine (@CCMachine) December 6, 2014
Using a 31-5 run, Oklahoma opened up a massive lead and never looked back. By the time the final buzzer rang, the Sooners collected 18 points off turnovers and another 18 points on fast breaks. Needless to say, that is Lon Kruger's style of ball and the #22 team in the country remains tough to compete with when games turn into a track meet.
Missouri continued to fight though which remains a good sign for Coach Anderson. Johnathan Williams led the way with 16 points while two other Tigers joined him in double figures. Montaque Gill-Caesar netted 15 points and Namon Wright poured in 12 more of his own.
For Buddy Hield, the star guard returned to form after a lackluster performance in the Battle 4 Atlantis. Shooting 6-of-11 from the floor and 3-of-5 from behind the three point line, Hield added 17 points. Regaining confidence, this Oklahoma squad faces Tulsa and former Missouri coach, Frank Haith on December 13th.