Oklahoma triumphs over No. 24 Arizona in Battle 4 Atlantis semifinal

In the Bahamas, Oklahoma achieved a significant victory against No. 24 Arizona in the semifinals of the Battle 4 Atlantis on November 28, 2024. The game showcased exceptional performances, particularly by freshman Jeremiah Fears, who scored a season-high 26 points, while Jalon Moore contributed an impressive 24 points. Oklahoma, showing resilience and skill, managed to hold off a late surge from Arizona to secure an 82-77 win. Duke Miles added 11 points to the score for Oklahoma and Luke Northweather chipped in with 10 points. In the closing moments, Arizona struggled to capitalize on their opportunities. They trailed 78-75 and had three chances to score but missed crucial three-pointers and had one shot blocked. Fears sealed the deal for Oklahoma by grabbing a defensive rebound and hitting two free throws, extending their lead to four points. Despite a challenging previous game against Providence, where they nearly lost their advantage, Oklahoma demonstrated growth and determination in this match. The Sooners had a streak of four 3-pointers and an additional three-point play, allowing them to build a significant 68-57 lead midway through the second half. This performance was particularly notable given that Oklahoma was previously ranked 15th in the SEC preseason poll. They will advance to play Louisville in the championship game, while Arizona will have to regroup and face West Virginia in the third-place match.