The Oklahoma Sooners clung to a 38-31 lead over the Washington State Cougars after twenty minutes of play in the Diamond Head Classic. However, OU put the game out of reach early in the second half behind a 17-0 run sparked by point guard Jordan Woodard. The effort stretched the lead to 67-41 prompting Lon Kruger to eventually empty the bench. Making their way to the winners side of the bracket with an 88-60 win, Oklahoma plays for a spot in the final tomorrow at 8 PM CST on ESPN2.
Continuing to make a case for Player of the Year in the early going, Buddy Hield collected 25 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the floor.
Last three games @buddyhield has 88 points in 95 minutes. That's 37.1 points per 40 minutes. #Sooners
— Mike Houck (@mhouckOU) December 23, 2015
Yet, the star guard was not the only one shooting the ball well. As a team, the Sooners shot 56.7% from the field in the second half leading to 31-of-62 shooting on the night. Coming off the bench, Dante Buford scored 11 points flashing signs of things to come. It's becoming evident this OU roster is littered with talent for years to come.
Buford sends it in. #Sooners https://t.co/XGAFzfrV30
— OUHoops (@ouhoops) December 23, 2015
On the other end of the court, Ike Iroegbu and Josh Hawkinson attempted to match the output of their opponent. Leading for a mere nine seconds, each player poured in 16 points. But, poor shooting from beyond the arc (5-of-21) certainly didn't help the cause. In the final 3:09 of the game, the Cougars failed to make a shot from the floor.
Things simply fell Oklahoma's way...need proof?
Shooters' roll? https://t.co/QT6ysAgZWl
— OUHoops (@ouhoops) December 23, 2015