Sooners’ Hardwood Hardship Continues

Originally Published: Mar 1, 2010 9:16 PM CDT

Stephany Speck
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

AUSTIN, Texas -- Oklahoma opened the second edition of the Red River Rivalry with hot shooting Monday night, but couldn’t finish the game offensively, losing to the Longhorns 87-76.

The Sooners opened the game efficiently, shooting 22-of-40 to lead 40-38 at halftime. The first half proved to be a strong point for OU, as the second half handed the team aggressive defense from Texas and fewer made shots.

Cade Davis finished with 22 points, while Tony Crocker ended with 24 points and five rebounds. Davis shot 6-for-10 from 3-point range, while Crocker shot 10-of-19 and hit 6-of-7 free throw attempts for OU.

OU shot 57.7 percent in the first half, compared to 32.5 percent in the second half. The Longhorns trailed most of the first half, as the Sooners offense capitalized off perimeter shooting. Texas fought back and tied the game at 38, but Tiny Gallon gave OU a 40-38 halftime lead with a shot as time expired.

The Longhorns’ momentum carried over in the second half as they went on a 9-0 run, putting them behind the Sooners by only 2 points.

Crocker, who rolled the same ankle he injured previously in the season, left the game and the Sooners’ offense felt his loss. The shots didn’t fall from the perimeter and the Sooner struggled to find their sync.

The rivalry heated up when Gallon blocked Gary Johnson, stirring the crowd into frenzy. The Longhorns responded by fouling Davis, who hit both free throw attempts, giving the Sooners a 55-50 lead.

Texas was able to narrow the lead and tie the game at 56 after a pass from Damion James inside to Dexter Pittman for a dunk with just 10 minutes left to play.

The Sooners couldn’t land their shots down the stretch, as the Longhorns took over and eventually pulled away.

J’Covan Brown returned Monday after being carried off the court Saturday in the Horns’ game against Texas A&M. The freshman guard was diagnosed with a neck strain after hitting his head on the floor in a collision under the hoop.

Brown ended the game with 15 points, while teammate Jordan Hamilton earned a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.