Poor Shooting Almost Cost Sooners in 50-47 Win at SMU

The Sooners failed to score the first 6:40 of the second half, letting the Mustangs go on a 9-0 run and take a 29-26 lead. SMU was still leading 32-31 when David Godbold hit a 3-pointer from the top left of the arc. It was his first 3-pointer since Nov. 26, ending a skid of 13 straight misses, and he followed with another the next time down the court.

Godbold's late foul shots put Oklahoma up 47-42, but Dez Willingham -- who scored a career-high 20 points -- made a 3-pointer for SMU. The Mustangs were within two when Bryan Hopkins made two free throws with 13 seconds left.

After Michael Neal missed one of two free throws, Willingham and Hopkins missed long 3s in the closing seconds, preventing SMU from beating a ranked team for the first time since December 2003.

Taj Gray led Oklahoma with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Kevin Bookout was held to nine points and seven rebounds.

The Sooners shot 39 percent and scored their fewest points since having 52 in an NCAA tournament loss to Michigan State in 2004. Still, Oklahoma goes into Big 12 play having won three straight and five of six.

The Sooners begin conference play Saturday at Nebraska.

Big 12 Standings

Colorado 0-0 10-1
Texas A&M 0-0 10-1
Texas 0-0 11-2
Kansas State 0-0 9-2
Oklahoma 0-0 9-2
Iowa State 0-0 10-3
Nebraska 0-0 10-3
Oklahoma State 0-0 10-4
Kansas 0-0 7-4
Missouri 0-0 7-4
Texas Tech 0-0 8-6
Baylor 0-0 0-0

This Weekend’s Games

Kentucky at Kansas – Could the Jayhawks have chosen a tougher opponent for their final game before conference play? My pick – Kentucky

Oklahoma at Nebraska – Sooners have got learn to get tough on the road! My pick – OU

Colorado at Texas – Texas could be tested by the Buffs but will have the luxury of playing in Austin. My pick – Texas

Texas Tech at Texas A&M – A&M has been rolling and Tech has been struggling. This first conference game is a statement for the Aggies. My pick – A&M

Oklahoma State at Missouri – Cowboys will struggle on the road against a mediocre Tigers team. My pick – OSU

Kansas State at Iowa State – The Cyclones are ready to make a run at being the best team in the north. My Pick – Iowa State