Oklahoma Men’s Basketball Suffers Tough Loss Against No. 21 Gonzaga: Key Highlights and Takeaways

Oklahoma Sooners Face Gonzaga in Tough Matchup

The Oklahoma men’s basketball team played their first true road game in three years on Saturday night, facing off against No. 21 Gonzaga. Unfortunately, they lost 83-68 at Spokane Arena.

Gonzaga clearly controlled the game, shooting 46% from the field compared to Oklahoma’s 40%. They dominated inside, scoring a staggering 58 points in the paint and grabbing 18 offensive rebounds, leading to 11 second-chance points.

The Sooners started strong, going up 8-3 early thanks to Derrion Reid and Xavier Brown. But soon, they struggled defensively. Gonzaga outscored Oklahoma 38-4 in the paint during the first half, and by halftime, the Sooners were down 49-30.

In the second half, Gonzaga widened their lead to 24 points. However, the Sooners staged a mini-comeback, going on a 9-0 run that cut the deficit to 15 points. They continued to battle back, narrowing the gap to 13 points with a crucial 3-pointer from Nijel Pack late in the game.

Pack led the Sooners with 20 points, while Brown added 19 and Reid contributed 11. Davis, who grabbed eight rebounds, had a solid game, showcasing Oklahoma’s determination despite the loss.

On the Gonzaga side, Graham Ike was a standout, contributing 19 points and 11 rebounds before fouling out. Remarkably, Oklahoma excelled at the free-throw line, hitting 89% of their shots, while Gonzaga struggled at just 45%.

Looking at recent statistics, the Sooners have shown promise as a free-throw shooting team. Last year, they ranked among the best nationally. This season’s performance also indicates they can compete despite setbacks.

Next, the Sooners will return home to play Arkansas-Pine Bluff at McCasland Field House, which holds a rich history as their home from 1928 to 1975.

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