Men's roundup
January 11, 2009 at 6:12AM
Griffin's double-double helps Sooners to victory No. 6 OKLAHOMA 61, KANSAS STATE 53: Blake Griffin had 29 points and 15 rebounds in a rare game against single coverage, and coach Jeff Capel's defensive switch sparked a key run in the first half that gave the Sooners a victory over the Wildcats on Saturday in both teams' Big 12 Conference opener in Manhattan, Kan.
Capel's switch came with about five minutes left in the first half. The Sooners were struggling to get shots off against Kansas State's defense, so Capel decided to try a 1-3-1 zone to create some easy baskets in transition.
Oklahoma (15-1) hadn't started practicing the defense until Wednesday, but it worked. The Sooners forced seven consecutive turnovers during a 10-0 run to close the first half and used it again after the break to pull away.
Denis Clemente led Kansas State (11-4) with 18 points and Fred Brown added 12.
No. 2 DUKE 66, FLORIDA STATE 58: Gerald Henderson scored a career-high 25 points, leading the Blue Devils (14-1, 2-0 ACC) past the Seminoles (13-3, 0-1) in Tallahassee, Fla.
No. 5 CONNECTICUT 81, CINCINNATI 72: A.J. Price made five three-pointers and scored 22 points, and the Huskies (14-1, 3-1 Big East) remained unbeaten on the road. Deonta Vaughn scored 19 points for Cincinnati (10-6, 0-3).
No. 7 TEXAS 75, IOWA STATE 67: Damion James scored 19 points to lead the Longhorns (12-3) over the visiting Cyclones (11-5) in the Big 12 opener for both teams. Iowa State's Craig Brackins had 20 points and 13 rebounds.
No. 18 MARQUETTE 75, NO. 25 WEST VIRGINIA 53: Jerel McNeal scored 26 points to lead the Golden Eagles (15-2, 4-0 Big East) past the visiting Mountaineers (11-4, 1-2).
AREA MEN
Scott sparks Tommies ST. THOMAS 83, CARLETON 72: Junior guard Joe Scott scored 23 points, including a fast-break dunk to cap a late 12-0 run, as the Tommies beat the visiting Knights. Lonnie Robinson scored 16 points for St. Thomas, which increased its winning streak in MIAC home games to 39. Senior forward Zach Johnson scored 35 points -- 28 in the second half -- to lead Carleton (8-3, 4-2).
GUSTAVUS 82, HAMLINE 64: Ryan McPartland scored 19 points and led the Gusties (6-5, 5-1) past the Pipers (3-9, 2-6) in St. Paul.
BETHEL 81, ST. OLAF 72: Cory Laugen scored 20 points as the Royals (10-2, 5-2) beat the visiting Oles (5-7, 2-5). Bobby Fong scored a season-high 24 points for St. Olaf.
CONCORDIA (MOORHEAD) 62, ST. JOHN'S 59: John Fraase's 18 points and 15 rebounds led the Cobbers (6-7, 3-5) past the Johnnies (6-6, 4-3).
AUGSBURG 81, MACALESTER 60: Senior David Olson hit five three-pointers and scored a season-high 23 points, leading the Auggies (7-5, 5-2) past the visiting Scots (0-13, 0-8).
MINNESOTA DULUTH 84, CONCORDIA (ST. PAUL) 79: John Vaudreuil scored 18 points and Ron White and Steve Klass each scored 16 to lead the Bulldogs past the Golden Bears. Mike Cunningham scored 19 for Concordia.
STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS
about the writer
The Minnesota Frost are getting production from newcomers and their established vets, with notable improvement on special teams.
