Oklahoma Sooners Fall To Memphis Tigers In Overtime, 99-94

Rich DeCrayDecember 17, 2016 No Comments

The Oklahoma Sooners decided play Jordan Shepherd in the starting lineup, replacing Christian James against the Memphis Tigers. Could Lon Kruger be looking to strengthen the second unit in terms of scoring? Whatever the reason, James sent a message to whomever it may concern with 15 points on 60% shooting. The effort helped build a 47-38 halftime lead.

After OU built a comfortable lead in the second half, the Memphis defense started to create havoc for the Sooners. Cashing in on a few turnovers, the Tigers used a 9-0 run to pull within two at 66-64 while the likes of Jordan Woodard and Khadeem Lattin rode the pine with three fouls.

However, patience from Shepherd earned the freshman an open look from beyond the arc. Knocking down the attempt, the Oklahoma scoring drought ended. Yet, the battle was far from being over. In such a tight game down the stretch, thoughts quickly began to turn towards how much more Memphis has left in the tank.

Not proving to be a deep team, Memphis Head Coach Tubby Smith relied on several players to carry 35+ minutes of playing time during the outing including Dedric and K.J. Lawson. Continuing to pressure the Sooners defensively, the work paid off as the Tigers took their first lead of the game with under a minute to play.

Battling back and forth, Woodard found himself with the ball behind the three point line down 84-81. Pump faking, the senior forced both defenders to leave their feet. Simply waiting for the defenders to pass by, Woodard fired a shot off the window bringing Lloyd Noble Center to overtime.

In overtime without the Big 12’s best three point shooter in James, Oklahoma looked toward Woodard to carry the team. Unfortunately a few missteps left the Sooners unable to keep pace with Memphis as the Tigers claimed a

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