Finding themselves in a bit of trouble at the close of the first half, the Sooners failed to chase would-be-shooters off the three point line. Knocking down seven 3-point attempts, the Terriers held a slim 38-37 lead at the break. However, Oklahoma failed to score in transition as Wofford managed to defend each fast break. Knowing this was not a typical outing, the focus shifted to shutting down the Southern Conference Preseason Player of the Year in Fletcher Magee.
Clamping down of the defensive side of the court, the OU defense held Magee to six second half points. The effort forced surrounding players to step up and carry the scoring load. Unable to consistently find the bottom of the net, Wofford scored just 26 points in the second half. Leaning on the defensive effort, Oklahoma slowly began to distance themselves on the scoreboard from the competition.
For the first time this year it was not Christian James leading the charge. Instead, sophomore Brady Manek secured a team high 18 point on the afternoon. Using his length, the forward stretches the floor on the offensive side of the court. Yet, Manek also presents a unique challenge on the glass with his size and strength. Pulling down 11 rebounds, “Larry from the Prairie” recorded a third straight game of double digit boards.
Adding to the growing resume, James made a living at the free throw line. Hitting on 7-of-8 attempts at the charity stripe, the senior guard poured in 15 points of his own. Despite falling short from the three point line, James remains the vocal leader of this team. Setting the tone across the board.
While the team leans on the leadership of James with plenty of newcomers, the biggest test of the non-conference schedule comes on Wednesday as the Sooners travel to the Bahamas. Taking on Florida in the Battle 4 Atlantis should provide plenty of fireworks.