OU Blows Past Texas Southern

Sooners beat up on Tigers, 82-52. Maui Invitational is next.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:03 pm

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Nov 18, 2010 10:15 PM CDT

Grant Belcher
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

NORMAN, Oklahoma – After a sub-par showing earlier in the week, the Sooners responded strongly with an 82-52 victory against Texas Southern on Thursday.

Guard Steven Pledger led the Sooners with 23 points. Cade Davis added 21 points and hit six 3-pointers.

OU had a 10-point halftime lead, but went on a 13-0 run midway through the second half to break the game open.

The Sooners (3-0) were able to distance themselves from the Tigers (0-3) despite committing 20 turnovers on the game. OU outrebounded Texas Southern, 37-20.

Oklahoma shot the ball well in all aspects, including 58 percent from the field, 54 percent from beyond the arc and 81 percent from the free-throw line.

The Sooners will now start to face some more stiff competitions as they head to Maui to play in the EA Sports Maui Invitational.

Their first game comes against Kentucky, who is ranked 12th in the AP Top 25 poll. The eight-team field also includes No. 17 Washington, Michigan State, Virginia, Connecticut, Wichita State and the host school, Chaminade.

The Sooners and Wildcats will tip off at 4:30 p.m. central time on Monday.