Sometimes in sports, a single player can turn the tide of a game and deliver a breathtaking moment. That’s exactly what happened for OU fans on Wednesday night, thanks to the phenomenal performance of freshman Jeremiah Fears, who orchestrated a heart-stopping finish in an 87-86 victory over No. 24 Michigan during the Jumpman Invitational in Charlotte.
OU found themselves staring at an uphill battle, trailing by 11 points at 69-58. Yet, they battled back to take an 82-78 lead in the final minutes of the game. Michigan, however, wasn’t about to roll over and turned the heat up defensively, forcing some critical turnovers from Fears.
With the Wolverines leading 86-83 and a mere 23 seconds on the clock, OU head coach Porter Moser crafted a play to create a shooting opportunity for Brycen Goodine in the corner. Michigan, well-prepared, shut it down. Regrouping swiftly, Fears used a screen from Sam Godwin to launch a deep 3-pointer as the arena collectively held its breath. The shot went in, and Fears was fouled in the process. He calmly sank the ensuing free throw, sealing the victory when Michigan’s final attempt fell short.
Exhale, everyone.
This victory propels the Sooners to an impressive 11-0 start, a feat they haven’t achieved since their 2015-16 run to the Final Four. It’s a testament to the blend of skill and determination on this team, with Fears radiating a special kind of resilience.
Key Takeaways from Game No. 11
Jeremiah Fears stole the show, especially after a quiet first half. With just three points late in the first half, he fought his way to the free throw line repeatedly and found his rhythm. Scoring 20 of his 30 points after the break, Fears demonstrated remarkable poise, shaking off turnovers to deliver when it mattered most. Unfazed and unyielding, his efforts were nothing short of inspiring.
While Fears was the focal point, contributions came from Duke Miles and Jalon Moore, who played pivotal roles throughout the game. Miles catalyzed the offensive surge late in the second half, finishing with 17 points and sinking three 3-pointers. Moore provided crucial support in the early second half, scoring 10 of his 16 points before fouling out.
The Sooners impressively drilled 12-of-25 from beyond the arc, showcasing their offensive versatility and depth.
Looking Ahead
OU sits on the brink of even greater recognition with their unblemished record, as they are one of only four undefeated teams remaining. They are well-positioned to storm into SEC play if they keep this momentum. The 14th-ranked Sooners (11-0) face Central Arkansas on Sunday at noon, gearing up to defend their perfect start and ascend the rankings even further.
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