OU Men's Basketball Sneaks Past SMU In Overtime, 79-78

Dec. 30, 2000

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Tim Heskett picked a most opportune time to find his range for Oklahoma.

Heskett had three 3-pointers late in regulation to help No. 17 Oklahoma overcome a 10-point deficit to beat Southern Methodist 79-78 Saturday night in the championship of the Touchstone Energy All-College Tournament.

"Heskett may not be the most talented player on this team," Oklahoma coach Kelvin Sampson said, "but he probably has the most heart."

Heskett's heady play occurred when Sampson played a four-guard lineup in the closing minutes after SMU had taken a 59-49 lead with 10:03 left in regulation.

The quickness advantage allowed Oklahoma to knock down four 3-pointers in the final stretch of the game.

Nolan Johnson, who scored a game-high 21 points and was the tournament's most valuable player, hit a driving bank shot with 5.9 seconds left to send the game to overtime at 72-72.

Johnson's two free throws with 1:20 left in overtime provided the final margin as Oklahoma (11-1) also overcame a five-point deficit in the extra session.

SMU (9-3) had chances to win the game, both at the end of regulation and in overtime.

Jeryl Sasser's 3-pointer banked in and out at the end of regulation. The Mustangs' Quinton Ross missed a 3-pointer with two seconds left in overtime and DeWayne Floyd's tip bounced off the rim at the buzzer.

"In order to have a great season, we must learn to win games like this," Sampson said.

The victory was Oklahoma's sixth straight this season and gave the Sooners their fourth straight All-College title. Oklahoma has won 17 All-College crowns, and has titles in 15 of the last 18 years.

Hollis Price's 3-pointer pulled Oklahoma to 78-77 with 1:44 left in overtime, setting the stage for Johnson's winning free throws.

"With the 3-point shooters this team has, we can come back from almost any deficit," Johnson said, alluding to teammates Heskett, Price and Kelley Newton.

Newton scored 20 points and Price had 11 for Oklahoma, which led 35-29 at halftime.

Damon Hancock scored 18 points to pace SMU. Willie Davis added 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Mustangs. Ross had 14 points and Floyd and Sasser had 13 apiece.

"It was a great game, it was a battle back and forth," Mustang coach Mike Dement said. "We had our moments but there were times we didn't play good defense and missed our shots."

University of Oklahoma Athletics

OU Men's Basketball Sneaks Past SMU In Overtime, 79-78

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