Norman, Oklahoma – December 20, 2023
In a thrilling display of grit and determination, the Oklahoma Sooners trounced the Arizona Wildcats by a score of 90-85 to advance to the championship game of the prestigious Atlantis Tournament.
A Dominant First Half
The Sooners emerged from the gates as the aggressors, taking an early lead that they would never relinquish. Tanner Groves and Jalen Hill were the catalysts for Oklahoma, combining for an astounding 23 points in the opening period. Groves’s dominance in the paint and Hill’s outside shooting kept the Wildcats at bay.
A Resilient Second Half
Arizona rallied in the second half, led by Azuolas Tubelis‘s blistering 17 points. The Wildcats closed the margin to just six points with less than five minutes remaining, but the Sooners remained unyielding.
Grant Sherfield stepped up in the clutch, scoring seven consecutive points to put the game out of reach. Sherfield finished with a game-high 26 points, proving his status as one of the most electric guards in the nation.
Stellar Defense
Oklahoma’s defense was equally as impressive, holding Arizona to just 36% shooting from the field. Sam Godwin and Milas Brankovic were tireless in the paint, blocking numerous shots and altering countless others. Their collective effort forced Arizona into a series of turnovers that proved costly.
Quotables
Porter Moser, Oklahoma Head Coach: “I’m incredibly proud of our team’s determination and toughness tonight. We knew Arizona was going to be a tough opponent, but we refused to back down.”
Tanner Groves, Oklahoma Forward: “This is an amazing moment for our program. We’re not going to be satisfied until we bring home that championship tomorrow night.”
What’s Next
The Sooners will face the winner of the Kansas-UCLA semifinal in the championship game on Wednesday, December 21 at 9 p.m. CST.
Conclusion
Oklahoma’s victory over Arizona was a testament to their unwavering spirit and exceptional all-around performance. Tanner Groves and Jalen Hill led the offensive charge, while Sam Godwin and Milas Brankovic anchored a stout defense. Grant Sherfield’s clutch scoring down the stretch sealed the win and propelled the Sooners into the tournament final. As Oklahoma prepares to battle for the Atlantis title, the excitement and anticipation surrounding this young and promising team continues to grow.
