Sooners See Spark in Freshman Guard

Calvin Newell stepped up for the Sooners after leading scorer Andrew Fitzgerald found himself in foul trouble.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:06 pm

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Dec 21, 2010 11:9 PM CDT

Stephany Speck
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- The Oklahoma Sooners may have experienced a glimmer of what the coming season will look like after freshman Calvin Newell stepped up to score a career-high 17 points.

Newell saw his opportunity for the Sooners after leading scorer Andrew Fitzgerald fouled out with just 3:43 left in the game. He went five for 6 from 3-point range, despite not scoring in the last four games for OU, to lead the Sooners to a 66-53 victory over Sacramento State.

Cade Davis added 15 points and a team-high three assists for Oklahoma, as they improved to 6-6 on the season, including a perfect home-game win streak. Fitzgerald, who averaged 16 points per game in the last five games, found himself in foul trouble late in the game. The Sooners, who led by eight at halftime, outscored the Hornets in the paint 16-6 in the second half to build their lead.

The Hornets were led by Sultan Toles-Bey, who led all scorers with 21 points. Teammate Duro Bjegovic added nine.

The Sooners next host Central Arkansas Dec. 30.