Porter Moser notched his first marquee win at Oklahoma on Wednesday night when his Sooners knocked off the 14th-ranked Florida Gators 74-67. Tanner Groves led a trio of Sooners to score in double figures with 20 points. Jalen Hill scored 18 and Mo Gibson added 15 as the Sooners were consentient offensively, scoring 37 points in each half. The win not only improved the Sooners to 7-1 on the season but also put the first blemish on Florida’s record. The Gators had come to Norman a perfect 6-0 on the season.
Game Defining Moment
Oklahoma didn’t lead wire-to-wire but it sure seemed like it. Playing the biggest game to this point of the season, the Sooners had been susceptible to slow starts this season and they made it clear early on that wouldn’t be the case Wednesday night. Catching the Gators on the road for the first time this season, OU started the game out on a 9-0 run and would ultimately outscore Florida 14-4 through the first five and a half minutes.
Mr. 300!
Wednesday’s win was the 300th of Porter Moser’s coaching career.
Wait…What?
Mo Gibson was feeling it early in the second half when he went on a personal 5-0 against the Gators with back-to-back buckets, including this nasty step-back.
Defensive Intensity
Oklahoma held the Gators to just 4-of-24 shooting (16.7%) from three-point range. However, the biggest defensive push for the Sooners came in the second half when they pestered Florida to just 10-of-31 from the floor over the final twenty minutes.
The Problem Child
Florida had four players score in double figures on the night and they were led by Phlandrous Fleming who scored 17 points off the bench. He also pulled down six rebounds, came up with two steals, a block, and an assist.
The Hero
Tanner Groves paced the Sooners yet again with 20 points and 8 rebounds. He shot 8-of-11 from the floor, including 2-of-3 from three-point range.
Up Next
The Sooners are one game into a five game stretch at home. Up next are the Butler Bulldogs on Tuesday night. That game is set for an 8:00 PM tip and will be televised on ESPN2.
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