Men's Basketball Cruises Past Oregon State In Final Of Big Island Invitational, 78-60

Nov. 26, 2000

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By GORDON SAKAMOTO
Associated Press Writer

HILO, Hawaii - Kelvin Sampson didn't have to tell his team what kind of opponent it faced in the championship game of the Big Island Invitational Tournament.

Sampson's 19th-ranked Oklahoma Sooners took care of business, hitting 12 3-pointers and routing previously unbeaten Oregon State 78-60 on Sunday night.

J.R. Raymond hit five 3-pointers and Hollis Price, Nolan Johnson and Kelley Newton each added two 3-pointers for the Sooners, who shot 12-for-21 from beyond the arc.

"We were well-prepared," Sampson said. "We were ready to play, real focused.

"Oregon State had been blowing out people (by an average of 35 points) and the kids felt that was a challenge."

Sampson cautioned that there's still room for improvement.

"We're still in November, so we're trying to find our niche," he said. "They finding a way to play with each other - finding their roles.

"This was a good challenge for us. All three opponents (Montana State, Tulane and Oregon State) all play different systems and the players adjusted well."

OSU's Richie McKay said, "I think we can beat a No. 19 team, but not tonight. They hit the open 3s and we weren't able to respond. But we'll be back in the mix."

The Sooners seized control early.

Johnson and Price hit consecutive 3-pointers to cap a 17-5 run that led to a 40-25 halftime lead.

The Beavers (4-1) made a brief run at the start of the second half, closing within nine points, but Raymond converted three free throws and followed with back-to-back 3-pointers to blunt the comeback effort.

Raymond, who averaged 8.3 points in four previous games, finished with 21 points. Johnson contributed 18 and Price, the tournament's outstanding player, and Newton added 10 apiece.

The Sooners also dominated on the boards, outrebounding Oregon State 29-16. Reserve Daryan Selvy grabbed eight rebounds, and Johnnie Gilbert six.

For Oregon State, Deaundra Tanner led Oregon State with 14 points. Brian Jackson added 12 and Jason Heide 11. By comparison, the Beavers had six 3-pointers, all in the final four minutes.

Oklahoma's biggest lead was 29 points with 8:06 remaining.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Men's Basketball Cruises Past Oregon State In Final Of Big Island Invitational, 78-60

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