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  Friday, Nov. 24 7:30pm ET
Sampson wants stronger 'identity' for Sooners
 
  RECAP | BOX SCORE

HILO, Hawaii (AP) -- Even with a 3-0 start, Kelvin Sampson isn't pleased with the No. 19 Oklahoma Sooners.

After posting an 84-76 victory over Montana State in the opening round of the Big Island Invitational Tournament on Friday, Sampson said there's still room for improvement.

"We still need an identity," he said. "What I want to see from this team is toughness on defense and how hard we can compete. I'm disappointed with some of the things we didn't do, like helping defensively and communicating."

This, after a 32-point performance by Aaron McGhee and another 23 by Hollis Price.

McGhee, a junior college transfer, bulled his way around under the basket for his points, while Price hit three jumpers in the final three minutes that kept the Bobcats (1-2) at bay.

Still, Sampson is looking for more from McGhee.

"Aaron has a lot of weapons," Sampson said. "He can score and shoot free throws. But we want him to be a total player."

Despite his offensive output, McGhee had only four rebounds.

If Montana State coach Mick Durham doesn't see McGhee again, it wouldn't disappoint him.

"McGhee is a load," Durham said. "I hope we don't see him for a while."

The outcome wasn't settled until midway through the second half when a 13-5 rally enabled the Sooners to build a double-digit lead. During the run, which made it 72-58, McGhee and Johnnie Gilbert each scored four points.

The Bobcats could get no closer than eight thereafter.

Montana State stayed close in the first half, which ended with the Sooners ahead 50-45. McGhee, a junior college transfer, was hot from the start, hitting 7-of-10 and converting 6-of-7 free throws for 20 points.

For the game, McGhee was 12-of-17, with all of his baskets coming in the paint. John Lazosky was high for Montana State with 23 points and Justin Brown added 14.

 


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