Illness, Ailments Fail to Hinder Sooners

Originally Published: Jan 16, 2010 2:53 PM CDT

Stephany Speck
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- The Sooners expected to face a tough Missouri defense Saturday, but they also had to battle against illness and injuries to beat the Tigers, 66-61.

Cade Davis, who woke up with a stomach virus, had limited time to warm up and was lacking energy in between plays. While the clock was running, though, the junior pushed past the illness. He ended the game with a double-double (15-10), one of the best games in his career.

His hustle helped push Oklahoma through a game that started out slow, but eventually picked up pace.

The Tigers jumped to a 10-0 lead in the first half, dominating the first five minutes of the game.

OU’s Tony Crocker left the game within the first few minutes after rolling an ankle. He would later return, almost an hour after leaving the hardwood, late in the second half.

Turnovers hindered the Sooners’ ability to take a lead and keep it. By halftime, the team racked up 10, and ended the game with 20.

The Tigers’ advantage facing the Sooners was depth. The Missouri starters scored a combined 33 points in the entire game. Sophomore forward Lawrence Bowers, who saw 23 minutes of playing time, scored 15 points and had 10 rebounds.

The Tigers strategy relied on heavily guarding Willie Warren. He had 12 points by halftime and 21 to end the game, but it was a struggle getting the ball into his hands.

He took advantage of Mizzou’s fouling, hitting all eight of his free throw attempts.

Ryan Wright had 12 points and eight rebounds.

The Sooners will travel to College Station Jan. 19 to face the Texas A&M Aggies. Tipoff is slated for 7:00 p.m.