Oklahoma starts fast, drubs Lindenwood in season opener

Senior forward Jalon Moore scored 22 points as Oklahoma opened the season with a 93-60 win over visiting Lindenwood on Monday night in Norman, Okla.

It was the Sooners' most points in a game since their 107-86 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Nov. 30, 2023. Sam Godwin had 11 points and a game-high 15 rebounds on Monday for the Sooners. Oklahoma freshman Jeremiah Fears had 16 points and six assists off the bench.

Jadis Jones had a double-double for the Lions with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Markeith Browning II led the Lions with 14 points. Lindenwood was held to 35.4 percent shooting from the floor (23 of 65) while Oklahoma shot 52.3 percent (34 of 65).

After giving up the first basket of the game to Browning for Lindenwood's only lead, Oklahoma scored the next nine points capped by a thunderous dunk from Moore after an alley-oop pass from Fears.

Godwin rumbled down the lane and dunked to put the Sooners ahead 22-11. Moore sank a three from the wing with 8:08 left in the half to give Oklahoma a 30-12 advantage. The lead grew as big as 23 points in the first half.

The Lions responded with an 11-0 run over a 3:40 span of the first half, pulling to 37-25 after Reggie Bass scored on a tip-in. Lindenwood collected eight offensive rebounds in the first half.

After that, the two teams traded baskets with Oklahoma going into the break ahead 43-29.

The second half was a continuation of the first with Oklahoma finding open shots and slashing its way to the basket. Nine different Sooners scored as the lead built.

Oklahoma was 14 of 34 from 3-point range for the game, while Lindenwood was just 4 of 24. The Sooners outrebounded the Lions 43-31.

The Lions are a member of the Ohio Valley Conference and playing in their third season in Division 1. They are not eligible for the NCAA Tournament until 2026-27.

The Sooners host Northwestern State next Monday night. They open the season with four straight home games.

--Field Level Media