Sooner Hoops: Hield Scores 24 As OU Breezes By McNeese State

Buddy Hield scored 24 points and No. 8 Oklahoma shook off a sluggish start to cruise to an 85-56 victory over McNeese State in its home opener on Friday night.

Hield scored 13 points in the first 4:45 of the second half before sitting the rest of the game. The reigning Big 12 Player of the Year hit 9 of 13 from the field, including 5 of 7 from 3-point range. He scored 30 points Tuesday against Memphis.

He hit a pair of baskets to spark an 8-0 Oklahoma run that gave the Sooners (2-0) the lead for good at 18-11 in the first half. McNeese State (0-3) got no closer than six points.

Senior Isaiah Cousins and freshman Rashard Odomes each had 15 points each for the Sooners.

Coach Lon Kruger substituted freely throughout the game, as the Sooners led by as many as 36 points in the second half. Ten players scored for the Sooners.

Jamaya Burr had 11 points for McNeese State.