Cow Tipping: Sooners Blow Out No. 10 Longhorns

Buddy Hield scored 13 points and No. 16 Oklahoma built a huge lead in the first half in dominating No. 10 Texas 70-49 Monday night.

Monday, January 5th 2015, 11:13 pm

By: News 9

Cow Tipping: Sooners Blow Out No. 10 Longhorns

Buddy Hield scored 13 points and No. 16 Oklahoma built a huge lead in the first half in dominating No. 10 Texas 70-49 Monday night, the Sooners' third straight win in the border rivalry. Oklahoma bolted to a 33-14 lead by halftime. The 14 points set a Texas school record for the fewest scored in a half in a Big 12 game.

Even with point guard Isaiah Taylor back for the second game after missing 10 with a broken left wrist, Texas was a mess offensively with just 6 of 30 shooting in the half and nine turnovers.

Two years ago, the Sooners let Texas rally from 22 points down in the second half to win in overtime. Oklahoma was much more methodical in putting away the Longhorns this year, giving them no chance at a comeback.

Javan Felix scored 13 for Texas.

Oklahoma (11-3, 2-0), which beat a top 10 team on the road for the first time since 1993, had four players score in double figures in earning what could be a huge confidence boost at the start of the Big 12 schedule. For Texas, coach Rick Barnes may have to nurse his team back into believing they can still challenge for the league title after a lethargic performance and one of the worst home losses in a years.

Texas (12-3, 1-1) had won 16 of its last 17 at home but has now lost two of its last three at the Erwin Center. The Longhorns finished tied for third in the Big 12 last season in large part because of their ability to protect their home court. Texas was 8-1 in the league at home last season.

The only loss in last year's Big 12 run? That was to Oklahoma in the conference opener. The Sooners came back for more Monday night and controlled the game throughout.

The matchup of two of the Big 12's best defensive teams quickly turned into a rout. The Sooners have held every opponent under 70 points and the Longhorns' dismal shooting included misfires from everywhere on the court.

Offensively, the Sooners worked the ball inside and out and routinely found the extra points for points. Ryan Spangler made three 3-pointers in the half and Hield crashed the boards for two tip-ins over taller and bigger Longhorns who were caught watching the ball.

Two years ago, the Sooners led by 22 midway through the second half only to watch the Longhorns rally to win in overtime. That rally started after a Sooners player flashed an upside down "Hook'em Horns" sign after a dunk, a move a that fired up the Longhorns and their fans.

This time, the Sooners nursed their lead and never served up any reason to let Texas back in it.

Isaiah Cousins made two quick 3-pointers and the lead crept to 26 points just three minutes after halftime and two free throws by Hield made it 50-25 with just under 13 minutes to play. And Texas fans didn't wait around for a rally this time, with thousands leaving well before the end.

TIP-INS

Oklahoma: The Sooners lead the rivalry 51-35 ... Cousins leads the Big 12 guards in rebounding and finished with seven against Texas ... Much has been made of Texas' physical size, but the Sooners won the rebounding 42-37.

Texas: Jonathan Holmes had scored in double figures in five consecutive games but scored just four points ... Taylor had nine points, four assists and two turnovers in his second game back from the wrist injury ... Felix has been Texas' leading scorer over the last five games despite coming off the bench. He ended up playing 35 minutes Monday night.

UP NEXT

Oklahoma: host Kansas State on Saturday

Texas: visit Oklahoma State on Saturday