Creighton came to Norman as the nation’s top 3-point shooting team (44.8%) but Oklahoma had something waiting on them. The Sooners were boasting the nation’s 6th ranked defense in terms of shooting percentage. It was a classic match of strength vs. strength.
The Bluejays were held to 7-of-30 from 3-point range (23.3%) and 29-of-63 from the floor overall (46%). The Sooners were a little better on the night, shooting 29.4% from long range and 51.7% overall. However, Oklahoma also aggressively attacked the rim which led the way to 28 free throw attempts of which OU converted on 18 of them.
Oklahoma overcame an early 6-2 deficit to outscore Creighton 47-33 over the first twenty minutes of the game. It provided just enough lead for the Sooners to keep the Bluejays at a safe distance through the second half.
Five of the nine Oklahoma players that saw the floor in the game scored in double figures. Brady Manek led the way for the Sooners with 18 points followed by Christian James with 14 and then Miles Reynolds, Krisitian Doolittle and Rashard Odomes with 13 points each. James also grabbed 12 rebounds for his fourth consecutive double-double.
Oklahoma’s performance against Creighton has to provide at least a little evidence to those remaining skeptical that this team is better than most thought. Led by a renewed defensive intensity, Lon Kruger has his team knocking on the door of the Top 25.
The Sooners have one more non-conference game remaining before opening up the Big 12 portion of their schedule at Kansas on January 2nd. OU will be traveling to Chicago to play Northwestern on Friday.