Oklahoma wallops Mississippi 95-72

COLUMBIA – The No. 9 Oklahoma basketball team put the “boom” in “Boomer Sooner” with a 95-72 win over No. 8 Mississippi in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Colonial Life Arena on Friday.

Normally one would expect a close game out of a No. 8-No. 9 matchup, but Oklahoma had other plans.

The Sooners started the game off on a 12-0 run and never looked back. Oklahoma pulled out to a 50-33 lead at halftime and maintained a sizeable lead throughout the second half, outscoring the Rebels 45-39 in the final 20 minutes.

“Just really happy for the guys,” Oklahoma head coach Lon Kruger said. “I thought they were really sharp. A lot of respect for Coach (Kermit) Davis and the Mississppi program.”

Senior guards Christian James and Rashard Odomes both led the Sooners in scoring with 20 points apiece. Junior forward Kristian Doolittle added had 19 points and 15 rebounds and sophomore Brady Manek added 18 points.

“Going into the game, I couldn’t have predicted I’d have 19 and 15, but I’m glad to have it,” Doolittle said. “Just doing what my team needed me to do and getting it going early in the first half. Then my teammates took over for the remainder of the first half, and the points were spread out evenly across the board. So just taking what the defense gives me, not really forcing anything, just following the game plan.”

Senior guard Terrence Davis led the Rebels in scoring with 17 and sophomore guard Devontae Shuler of Irmo added 13.

“It was a really disappointing day for our team,” Coach Davis said. “Just right from the start, Oklahoma, give them all the credit. They totally outclassed us, out-toughed us in every area.”

The Sooners will now face No. 1 Virginia in the second round on Sunday, which defeated Gardner-Webb on Friday.