In a thrilling season opener, the Oklahoma Sooners made quite a statement with a 102-66 victory over St. Francis (Pa.). The game in Norman, Oklahoma, had a few standout moments, especially from Kuol Atak, who came off the bench to lead with 18 points.
This win gives the Sooners a fresh start. They’re hoping to build on last year’s NCAA Tournament run, even though every starter from that squad is gone.
Key Highlights from the Game
The opener really felt like two different games. The first half was tight, with Oklahoma barely ahead at halftime.
After the break, though, it was a whole new story. The Sooners exploded for 57 points in the second half, putting things out of reach for St. Francis.
A wild 20-0 run early in the second half stretched Oklahoma’s lead from five to 25 in just over four minutes. That stretch pretty much sealed it.
First Half: A Tight Contest
The opening half was a back-and-forth affair. Both teams traded baskets, and Oklahoma led by just 45-44 at the break.
St. Francis matched Oklahoma’s energy and execution. The Sooners shot well, but couldn’t shake their opponents early.
Second Half: Dominance Unleashed
After halftime, Oklahoma found their rhythm and took control on both ends of the floor. They outscored St. Francis 57-22, thanks to tough defense and sharp shooting.
That 20-0 run with about 14 minutes left was the turning point. It broke the game open and left St. Francis reeling.
Standout Performances
Several Sooners stepped up in this impressive win. Kuol Atak led the way with 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting off the bench.
He had help, too—Xzayvier Brown, Nijel Pack, and Mohamed Wague each chipped in 16 points.
Kuol Atak’s Impact
Atak’s 18 points really set the tone. Coming off the bench, he brought a spark and kept the Sooners rolling, especially in the second half.
His efficient shooting and timely buckets kept Oklahoma’s momentum going. It was exactly the kind of lift you hope for from a bench player.
Contributions from Brown, Pack, and Wague
Brown, Pack, and Wague each scored 16, showing that this Oklahoma team has some real depth. Wague also grabbed 10 rebounds, making his presence felt on both ends.
Tae Davis added 14 points, just for good measure. The scoring was spread out, which has to be encouraging for the coaching staff.
Team Efficiency
Oklahoma’s efficiency was hard to ignore. They shot 55.7 percent from the field and 36.7 percent from three.
Meanwhile, they held St. Francis to just 40.9 percent shooting overall and 29.4 percent from deep. That gap in shooting made a huge difference on the scoreboard.
Offensive Execution
The Sooners were clicking offensively in the second half. The ball movement was sharp, they found open looks, and they made them count.
For a team that lost all five starters, that’s got to be a relief. Maybe they’re finding their identity faster than expected.
Defensive Prowess
Defensively, Oklahoma looked locked in. They forced St. Francis into tough shots and limited their chances.
Turning those stops into points on the other end was a big part of the second-half surge. That’s the kind of two-way play coaches love to see.
Looking Ahead
This win sets a positive tone for the Sooners as they kick off a new season. With all five starters from last year’s NCAA Tournament team gone, there were plenty of questions about this group.
But based on this performance, Oklahoma seems to have the talent and depth to stay competitive. It’s only one game, but it’s a good sign.
Building on Success
Coach Porter Moser will want to keep this momentum going. Balanced scoring and strong defense are great, but consistency is going to be the real test.
We’ll see if the Sooners can keep this up as the season gets tougher. That’s when the real answers come.
Upcoming Challenges
The schedule ahead isn’t going to be easy. There are ranked opponents and conference rivals waiting.
How Oklahoma handles those challenges will say a lot about their season. If they can keep up this efficiency and intensity, who knows—maybe another deep tournament run is in the cards.
Conclusion
Oklahoma’s 102-66 win over St. Francis (Pa.) really set the tone for their season. Kuol Atak, Xzayvier Brown, Nijel Pack, and Mohamed Wague all had standout moments.
The Sooners showed off some real depth. Their efficiency on both ends? Pretty striking, honestly.
That second-half surge—wow, it left no doubt about their ability to take over a game. If they keep playing like this, who knows how far they’ll go this season?
Want more details? Check out the full article on Fox Sports.
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