Backwoods Beatdown: Mountaineers Romp Sooners

Oklahoma took its lone conference trip to the Eastern Time Zone on Tuesday night and likely won't be in a hurry to get back.

The 18th-ranked Sooners turned the ball over 22 times in an ugly 86-65 road loss at No. 16 West Virginia.

This one was ugly right from the start. The Mountaineers (15-2, 3-1) used an early 9-3 run to seize a 23-13 lead less than 10 minutes in. After Oklahoma closed within three with 3:26 to play in the first half, West Virginia closed the first on a 10-0 explosion and took a 45-32 lead into the break.

Oklahoma (11-5, 2-2) never made it interesting. Elijah Macon scored five straight points with around the 12-minute mark that extended WVU's lead to 60-40. The Mountaineers put it in cruise control from there.

Jevon Carter led WVU with 18 points and seven rebounds off the bench. Carter knocked down 4-of-6 from downtown. Devin Williams chipped in a double double with 14 points and 11 boards and was the only Mountaineer starter in double figures.

Buddy Hield's 21 points and eight rebounds led the Sooners. Isaiah Cousins added 14 points and Ryan Spangler finished with 10.

Despite OU's sloppiness, West Virginia's defense was excellent. Of OU's 22 turnovers, the Mountaineers stole 16. And while the Sooners shot a decent percentage (21-of-50, 42 percent), the turnovers simply gave West Virginia endless opportunities. WVU shot just 44 percent but hoisted 68 shots, 18 more than OU.

WVU's 86 points is a season-worst for the Oklahoma defense. The Sooners hadn't previously allowed more than 69 points in any game.

OU has now lost back to back conference games and will look to steady the ship in Bedlam on Saturday. Tip from Norman is set for 6 p.m.