Sooners outlast Bronchos in exhibition

11/3/2017 9:00:00 PM | By: Chris Brannick

[Tom Dunning Photos]

NORMAN – The University of Central Oklahoma dropped an 86-64 exhibition match with Oklahoma Friday night at the Lloyd Noble Center in what was the final tune-up for the Bronchos this preseason.

UCO fought hard throughout the match, but couldn't keep pace with the Division I school on the opposite side of the Oklahoma City metro.

"This game is no different for the preseason," UCO head coach Guy Hardaker said. "We did some things pretty well, we progressed in some areas, and then there are some areas that we know we need to work on after tonight. But this was fun, and I'm glad the girls got the chance to play a team like Oklahoma."

Melinda Murillo led an early charge for the Bronchos in the first quarter, scoring five points. The senior and returning All-MIAA first-teamer hit the game's first field goal with a step-back jumper from the left. She knocked down a 3-pointer just a minute later to give the Bronchos a 5-3 lead. UCO's leads of 2-0, and 5-3 would be the only on the day.

Megan Hartness had a team-high six through the first quarter, with the newcomer hitting both of her 3-pointers.

Ireon Smith had a big second quarter for the Bronchos. The sophomore had one rebound in the first quarter, then stepped up in a big way with four points and three rebounds in the second.

A Smith layup with 4:45 to go in the second quarter pulled UCO to within four, 31-27. But the Bronchos only got two more points the rest of the way and trailed 42-27 at the half.

UCO's third quarter spurt came from Blake Blessington, who earned the Bronchos' first trip to the free throw line in the game with 7:26 to go in the frame. She sank both, hit a 3-pointer 30 seconds later, and added a big jumper plus a free throw with six minutes left in the quarter. After trailing by 13 at the half, the Bronchos got as close as 47-39 following Blessington's run. Blessington had 10 in the quarter, however, OU kept its hold, and took a 63-47 lead into the final frame.

Blessington finished as the Bronchos' leading scorer with 17 points and Hartness had 11 to round out the double-digit scorers. Murillo finished with seven, while Shatoya Bryson and Smith each had eight. Jo'Nah Johnson added six points on the night, Madison Lee three, Jesheon Cooper and Gabrielle Johnson each had two. Smith led the Bronchos with 11 rebounds, while Cooper had 10.

Central Oklahoma officially opens its 2017-18 season in a week. The Bronchos play Southeastern in Durant on Friday, Nov. 10 at 5:30 p.m. as part of the MIAA/GAC Crossover Challenge.

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