COLLEGE BASKETBALL NATIONAL ROUNDUP : Oklahoma Routs West Texas State

Nothing like a Division II opponent to finish up the nonconference schedule.

Such was the case Friday night for No. 11 Oklahoma, which tuned up for its Big Eight Conference opener on Monday against No. 4 Kansas with a 121-71 victory over Division II West Texas State at Norman, Okla.

The Sooners dominated, shooting 58% and tying a school record with 14 blocked shots.

“Really, we played better than I would have thought,” Oklahoma Coach Billy Tubbs said. “I wouldn’t have predicted this particular score. I didn’t think we’d hang a hundred on ‘em.”

The Sooners (11-2) were coming off an 88-84 overtime loss to top-ranked Duke.

And it appeared as though they were in for another close game against West Texas State--until about seven minutes had elapsed.

That’s when the Sooners, leading, 17-14, outscored the Buffaloes, 14-2, in the next 2:15 to take a 31-16 lead.

A 13-2 run a few minutes later made the score 52-25 and West Texas State got no closer than 24 after that.

It was the most points scored against West Texas State since Kentucky defeated the Buffaloes, 121-67, in the 1978-79 season.

Oklahoma forced 29 turnovers and held West Texas State (9-4) to 34% shooting. Kenneth Conley blocked seven shots and had five steals, both team highs.

Bryan Sallier had 26 points and 10 rebounds for the Sooners.

Russell Adams led West Texas State with 21 points.

Princeton 63, Harvard 39--Princeton’s Chris Yetman made two of four three-pointers in a 28-6 opening run that set the pace for the Tigers at Princeton, N.J.

The Tigers held Harvard to 12 points and 8% shooting while taking a 19-point first-half lead.

Harvard made 10 of 52 shots (19.2%) for the game.