Abmas Scores 22 As Texas Rolls Past No. 11 Oklahoma, 75-60

The Sooners have often started games slowly and recovered to win. This time, they started the second half slowly and didn’t bounce back.

Tuesday, January 23rd 2024, 10:32 pm

By: Associated Press

Credit: Associated Press

NORMAN, Okla. -

Max Abmas continues to be just fine in his transition from the Summit League to the Big 12.

The transfer from Oral Roberts scored 22 points to help Texas roll past No. 11 Oklahoma 75-60 on Tuesday night.

“He draws so much attention, it’s hard to help, to get your help defense going with him,” Oklahoma coach Porter Moser said. “Tremendous player. ... Super-efficient night by an all-league player.”

Dylan Disu had 19 points and 10 rebounds, and Dillon Mitchell added eight points and 13 boards for the Longhorns (14-5, 3-3 Big 12), who shot 50% from the floor to win their sixth straight in the rivalry. Texas was coming off a victory over then-No. 9 Baylor on Saturday.

Abmas went 4 of 8 on 3-pointers and shot 8 for 14 from the field overall.

“Max did a great job being a great floor leader for us in terms of just executing the things that we were trying to get done offensively,” Texas coach Rodney Terry said.

Jalon Moore scored 15 points and Otega Oweh added 10 for the Sooners (15-4, 3-3), who had won two in a row.

Texas started strong in the second half, and a 3-pointer by Ithiel Horton put the Longhorns up 47-39. Oklahoma cut Texas’ lead to a point, but the Longhorns responded with a 10-0 run to push their lead to 65-54.

They played with a greater urgency,” Moser said. “And I just think our guys, our offense wasn’t nearly as crisp and quick.”

Oklahoma’s student section was in place long before the opening tip. Fans were active, making noise and waving towels while standing for much of the game.

Oklahoma went scoreless for the first 3:30 as Texas took a 7-0 lead. The Sooners didn’t make their second field goal until nearly six minutes into the game.

Texas led 18-9 when Moore got loose for a powerful right-handed jam. He got another fast-break dunk 24 seconds later, was fouled and made the free throw to cut Texas’ lead to four.

Another fast-break dunk, this one a two-hander from 6-foot-10, 275-pound John Hugley IV while being challenged by Disu at the rim, gave the Sooners a 21-20 lead. Oklahoma led 33-32 at halftime.

Texas then controlled most of the second half.

“Give kudos to my guys in terms of the effort and how hard they played and worked again,” Terry said. “We didn’t play perfect, but we played really hard and we really connected tonight. And we were fortunate and blessed to be able to beat a good team on their home court.”

BIG PICTURE

Texas: The Longhorns were reeling after upset losses to West Virginia and UCF. Now, they have back-to-back wins over highly ranked teams to add to their NCAA Tournament resume.

Oklahoma: The Sooners have often started games slowly and recovered to win. This time, they started the second half slowly and didn’t bounce back. Oklahoma shot 38.5% after the break and 39.3% overall.