OU Defense Carries Team To 29-Point Win

Nov. 9, 2001

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NORMAN, Okla. - In its second and final exhibition of the season, the Oklahoma men's basketball team defeated the EA Sports Central All-Stars, 85-56, Friday night at the newly remodeled Lloyd Noble Center. OU struggled shooting early and didn't heat up until late in the game, but a swarming defense carried the Sooners to the 29-point victory.

Newcomer Jason Detrick and senior Daryan Selvy led the way for the Sooners, scoring 16 points apiece. Hollis Price scored 15 points and dished out a team-high five assists, while Preseason Big 12 Newcomer of the Year Ebi Ere registered a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Forward Aaron McGhee also notched a double-figure scoring night with 12 points.

Despite shooting just 15-for-44 in the first half, including 2-for-15 from beyond the three-point line, OU held a 40-29 halftime lead. For the game, Oklahoma took 33 more shots than EA Sports and 16 more three-point field goal attempts.

But it was on the defensive side of the court where the Sooners made their mark. OU held EA Sports to just .364 shooting from the field and forced 22 turnovers. Selvy had five of OU's 11 steals. The Sooners also posted a 56-40 rebounding edge, including a 20-2 advantage on the offensive glass.

"I was really proud of our defense and our rebounding tonight," said OU Head Coach Kelvin Sampson. "A lot of our new guys like Jason Detrick and Ebe Ere aren't used to the style of defense that we play but they keep playing and trying. This is the best defensive team I've had at this point in the season. EA Sports is a good team. They beat Arkansas and Arkansas State, and played Texas Tech very closely, so I'm happy with the win."

Commented Detrick, "Coach Sampson and I had a talk this week about me playing with more confidence and playing harder. He thought I was down a little, so I went out and played and had a lot of fun. I liked this game much more than the one on Monday," he said referring to OU's 86-78 win over Athletes First.

Former UCLA star Kris Johnson led EA Sports with 16 points and seven rebounds. Duane Simpkins and Jimmy Carroll each added nine points.

"This is one of the worst exhibition losses we've had in years," said EA Sports Head Coach Phil Bryant. "I knew they would be good but didn't realize they would be such a good rebounding team and as athletic as they were. I was very impressed."

University of Oklahoma sophomore advertising major D.J. Bruner competed for EA Sports by virtue of his winning an intramural basketball contest held by the video game maker. The Oklahoma City native, who attended Southeast High School, played the last two minutes of the game and grabbed a rebound.

EA Sports continues its 10-game exhibition schedule tomorrow night at Oklahoma State while OU prepares for its season opener Monday night versus Central Connecticut in the Preseason NIT. The game will take place at the Lloyd Noble Center at 7 p.m.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

OU Defense Carries Team To 29-Point Win

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