Strong Games from Davis, Crocker Help Sooners Win

Originally Published: Dec 19, 2009 1:10 PM CDT

Stephany Speck
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- The Sooners won their sixth consecutive game Saturday, beating Northern Colorado, 80-79.

OU (8-3) played tight defense against the Bears (9-3) during the beginning of the game, but became lax, costing the team its lead.

The Sooners got off to a quick lead early in the game, pressuring the Bears' defense. Forward Tiny Gallon came out early for OU, hitting his shots from the free throw line and from the field.

Northern Colorado answered back with some successful perimeter shooting. The Sooners managed to hold a lead, however close, throughout most of the first quarter.

As the first half progressed, OU’s defense fell behind, surrendering its lead and losing its momentum. Cade Davis was able to step up for the Sooners offensively, while creating spark for the team’s defense.

The Sooners closed the first half on a 12-2 run, led by Davis. The junior guard scored 21 points, shooting 6-7 beyond the arc by halftime.

At the end of the first half, OU’s head coach Jeff Capel expressed the need for another good half by Davis.

The Sooners' run continued throughout the second half, but it was Tony Crocker who took the reins from Davis, helping to revive the team late in the game.

Though the Sooners' picked up momentum offensively, it was Gallon who got the Sooners into foul trouble. He was benched after sending the Bears to the free throw line early in the second half.

With the Sooners up 80-79 with less than 10 seconds on the clock, OU’s Tommy Mason-Griffin missed his free throw, giving the Bears one more opportunity to tie the game.

Davis again came through for the Sooners, stealing the ball from Northern Colorado’s Devon Beitzel as the final seconds ticked away.

Davis ended the game with 25 points, shooting 8-13 from the field and 6-10 from behind the arc. Crocker earned his fourth season double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds.

The Sooners will tip off against UTEP on Dec. 21 at 5:30 p.m.