


BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -No. 6 Oklahoma did its part in trying to secure a Fiesta Bowl rematch with Boise State. This time, however, the schools would meet on the basketball court. The Sooners defeated No. 11 Saint Joseph’s 72-64 in the first round of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament Friday evening in Birmingham, Ala. OU is now scheduled to play the winner of No. 14 BSU and No. 3 Louisville. If the Broncos are able to upset UL, BSU will face OU for the first time in any sport since the historic 2007 bowl game.
The Sooners (22-11) shot 49 percent from the field and out rebounded St. Joe’s 25-22 in the game. OU made a 14-2 run in the final 5:15 of the first half to separate themselves from the Hawks at intermission and never trailed again.
In the second half OU’s lead swelled to 19 points early in the second half, but SJU did manage to cut the lead to four points multiple times in the final five minutes. That was as close as the score would get, though.
OU guard David Godbold led all scorers with 25 points in the game. OU center Longar Longar chipped in with 14 points and five rebounds.
Rob Ferguson led SJU with 21 points and four rebounds.
The winner of OU and SJU is set to face the winner of No. 3 Louisville and No. 14 Boise State, Sunday, at BJCC Arena in Birmingham, Ala.
Jake Garcin