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"Good opportunity to get a lot of guys some really good minutes. The guys made a lot of good plays for each other and had some really good stretches defensively. Forced some turnovers and converted on the other end and a really good job on the boards. The group understands they have to keep getting better. Got to keep focused on doing the little things better on both ends, and getting better every night. So anxious to get back to practice tomorrow." - Lon Kruger's general thoughts on the game.
"I hadn't expected that out of this group. They had been shooting free throws pretty well and all of a sudden we had a bunch on the same night not shooting well. They'll get that back though." - Lon Kruger on Oklahoma's poor free throw shooting.
"I really like them. They're aggressive. I wish they would shoot the ball more, but they'll get used to it. I like the attack. They're coming along good." - Buddy Hield on Oklahoma's group of freshmen.
"I'm definitely confident. They kind of remind me of me and Buddy when we first came here. They're aggressive and there's just great energy." - Isaiah Cousins on the freshmen.
Game Notes
• With Friday night's victory, Oklahoma has now won 23 consecutive home openers and 36 of the last 37. The last team to beat the Sooners in their first home game of a season was Massachusetts (84-83) in 1993-94 (Billy Tubbs' final year as OU's head coach).
• The Sooners are now 3-0 all-time against McNeese State.
• Oklahoma's defense held McNeese State to 33.8 percent (22-65) shooting from the floor on the night, including 24.0 percent (6-25) from 3-point range.
• Oklahoma outscored McNeese State 38-26 in points in the paint, 21-6 in points off turnovers, 14-7 in second-chance points and 10-6 in fast-break points.
• The Sooners recorded 14 assists as a team.
• For the second consecutive game, Buddy Hield led all scorers with 24 points (9-13 FG, 5-7 3FG).
• True freshman Rashard Odomes registered 15 points on 6-of-7 (.857) shooting from the field.
• Isaiah Cousins recorded his second consecutive game scoring in double figures with 15 points on 5-of-10 (.500) shooting from the floor.
• Sophomore Khadeem Lattin led the Sooners on the boards with eight rebounds. Overall, Oklahoma outrebounded McNeese State by a 46-37 margin.