WICHITA, Kan. – Oklahoma used a strong first half to build a big lead and then hung on down the stretch to beat No. 3 Wichita State 91-83.
The Sooners (8-1) were led by star point guard Trae Young, who had 29 points. Darral Willis had 20 points for the Shockers (8-2), who had already beaten Baylor and Oklahoma State this month. Oklahoma didn't hit a field goal during the last 7 minutes of the game but did enough damage at the free throw line to hold on.
Oklahoma led 54-39 at halftime behind 21 points from Young and 16 from fellow freshman Brady Manek. Manek, a Harrah, Oklahoma, native, finished with 21 points.
The game at Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita marked the first true road test for the Sooners. They had gone 2-1 in the PK80 tournament in Portland, Oregon, earlier this season, but the Wichita crowd presented the most hostile environment the team has seen.
This was the first home loss for the Shockers since losing to Oklahoma State last December.
The Sooners are now poised to enter the AP Top 25 for the first time this season. They will be back in action Tuesday against Northwestern State at the Lloyd Noble Center.
