Jalon Moore, Oklahoma look for complete effort vs. Stetson

Field Level Media|published: Fri 15th November, 14:22 2024

Oct 15, 2024; Birmingham, AL, USA; Oklahoma Sooners forward Jalon Moore talks with the media during SEC Media Days at Grand Bohemian Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

Although off to a solid start, Oklahoma will be looking to develop more consistency on Saturday afternoon when it hosts Stetson at Norman, Okla.

The Sooners (2-0) are coming off an uneven performance in a 73-57 victory over Northwestern State on Monday. Following a difficult first half in which it shot 33.3 percent from the field, Oklahoma needed a huge second half from guard Jalon Moore to emerge with its second victory of the season.

Moore totaled 23 points and seven rebounds for the Sooners, who shot 53.6 percent (15 of 28) over the final 20 minutes. Moore scored 19 of his points in the second half and shot 5 of 7 from the field.

Jeremiah Fears has been another bright spot for Oklahoma with 16 points in a 93-60 win over Lindenwood on Nov. 4 and 15 versus Northwestern State.

"(Moore) did a much better job at getting downhill in the second half," Sooners coach Porter Moser told reporters after the game. "He got to his spots better and began to create well for others in the second half as well. He continued to get better as the game went on, which is what you like to see."

Stetson (1-2), which is coming off its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 2023-24, will attempt to account for Oklahoma's balance at both ends of the court and try to even its record against its first Power Four opponent this season.

The Hatters are looking for continuity themselves with a roster that includes nine new players after losing several key contributors to the transfer portal in the offseason.

Jordan Wood, a Tulane transfer, is averaging 12.3 points per game this season.

Wingate transfer Josh Massey also has been consistent as he finished with eight points and seven rebounds in a 74-52 loss to The Citadel on Monday.

"Just looking to find some chemistry," Stetson coach Donnie Jones said after the Hatters' opening night win over New College of Florida on Nov. 4. "It's not always the most talented guys. It's the right guys that will play together. I think it's key for us right now just getting to know each other and learning who we are."

--Field Level Media

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