Thomas, Hield lead Sooners over 1st-game NCAA hump

Columbus, Ohio (AP) — TaShawn Thomas powered his way to 18 points inside and versatile Buddy Hield added 15 to lead third-seeded Oklahoma past Albany on Friday night, carrying the Sooners into the Round of 32 after early exits the last two years.

The Sooners (23-10), who led wire to wire, advance to play on Sunday against the winner of the late game between Dayton and Providence.

Peter Hooley had 15 points, Evan Singletary 13, Sam Rowley 12 and Ray Sanders 11 for No. 14-seeded Albany (24-8), regular season and tournament champs of the America East Conference.

The Great Danes came in with the reputation of being a dangerous 3-point shooting team.

But Oklahoma proved it could pump it up from outside, too, hitting 7 of 24 behind the arc.

By Rusty Miller, AP Sports Writer. Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

The Gayly – March 20, 2015 @ 10pm.