Duke Miles delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 29 points on 11-for-17 shooting to propel the Oklahoma Sooners to a commanding 89-66 victory over Central Arkansas on Sunday afternoon in Norman, Oklahoma.
With this win, the 14th-ranked Sooners extended their undefeated streak to 12-0, equaling their best season start since the 2015-16 campaign, a year that saw them reach the Final Four. Meanwhile, the Bears, now 3-9, suffered their fifth loss in six games and continued their struggles against Power Four conference teams, falling to 0-5 in such matchups this season.
Oklahoma maintained control throughout the game, never relinquishing their lead and ultimately pulling away in the second half. At one point, the Sooners built an impressive 28-point advantage. Central Arkansas managed to stay competitive for much of the game’s first half and the early moments of the second. Layne Taylor, who led the Bears with 16 points, helped cut Oklahoma’s lead to just seven with a three-pointer at the 16:30 mark in the second half, narrowing the gap to 54-47.
However, Miles’ explosive play sparked a decisive 10-0 run for the Sooners. Scoring seven of those 10 points himself, Miles extended Oklahoma’s lead to 64-47 with 12:13 left on the clock, putting the game effectively out of reach for the Bears.
Taylor also contributed five assists for Central Arkansas, which saw three players score in double digits. Elias Cato added 13 points, while Ben Fox chipped in 12. Despite their efforts, the Bears struggled to keep pace with Oklahoma’s potent offense.
Freshman sensation Jeremiah Fears continued his impressive debut season for the Sooners, finishing with 19 points and a team-high five assists. Jalon Moore also played a key role, recording 17 points and five rebounds. Fears’ ability to direct Oklahoma’s offense and excel in transition was a significant factor in the team’s success. The Sooners capitalized on their fast-paced style, scoring an impressive 33 points on the fast break.
Miles’ shooting from beyond the arc was another highlight, as he sank 4 of 8 attempts from three-point range. Oklahoma collectively hit 10 three-pointers, with Kobe Elvis adding three triples of his own to contribute nine points. Overall, the Sooners shot 48.5% from the field and 34.5% from deep, showcasing their offensive efficiency.
Looking ahead, Oklahoma will conclude its nonconference schedule next Sunday with a home game against Prairie View A&M before beginning Southeastern Conference play on January 4 against Alabama. Meanwhile, Central Arkansas is set to host Southwestern Christian next Sunday before facing Eastern Kentucky on January 2 to kick off Atlantic Sun Conference play.
The Sooners’ relentless energy and balanced attack were on full display throughout the game. Miles’ scoring outburst and Fears’ ability to orchestrate the offense stood out as key factors in the victory. Oklahoma’s defensive pressure and ability to force turnovers also played a critical role, limiting Central Arkansas’ chances to gain momentum.
Central Arkansas found some success early in the game by exploiting defensive lapses and converting opportunities at the rim. However, Oklahoma quickly adjusted and tightened their defense, making it difficult for the Bears to sustain their offensive rhythm. Taylor’s leadership and shot-making ability kept the Bears within reach during the first half, but as the game progressed, their inability to match Oklahoma’s depth and firepower became evident.
Fears’ development as a floor general continues to impress observers. The freshman’s composure and decision-making belie his inexperience, and his knack for finding open teammates has made him a cornerstone of the Sooners’ offense. In addition to his scoring and playmaking, Fears showcased his defensive instincts, disrupting passing lanes and generating turnovers.
Jalon Moore’s versatility also played a pivotal role in Oklahoma’s success. His ability to contribute on both ends of the court provided the team with a steady presence. Whether attacking the rim, grabbing rebounds, or defending multiple positions, Moore’s impact was felt throughout the contest.
Miles’ standout performance further underscored his value to the Sooners. As one of the team’s most reliable scorers, his ability to hit shots from all areas of the court keeps defenses on their heels. His contributions during the second-half surge were particularly critical in sealing the win.
The Sooners’ depth and balanced scoring were on full display, with multiple players stepping up to contribute at key moments. Their ability to spread the floor and find open looks from beyond the arc made it challenging for Central Arkansas to mount a defensive response.
On the other side, Central Arkansas showed flashes of potential but struggled with consistency. Taylor’s offensive efforts were commendable, and Cato and Fox provided solid support. However, the Bears’ inability to contain Oklahoma’s transition game and perimeter shooting proved to be their undoing.
As Oklahoma prepares for the challenges of conference play, their strong start has set the tone for what could be a promising season. With a mix of experienced players and emerging talent like Fears, the Sooners appear well-equipped to compete at a high level. The upcoming matchup against Alabama will serve as a litmus test for their readiness to face tougher competition in the SEC.
For Central Arkansas, the focus will shift to building momentum as they enter Atlantic Sun Conference play. While their nonconference schedule has been challenging, the experience gained from facing high-caliber opponents could prove beneficial in the long run. The Bears will look to players like Taylor to continue leading the way as they seek to turn their season around.
In summary, Oklahoma’s dominance against Central Arkansas highlighted their strengths as a team. With contributions from key players like Miles, Fears, and Moore, the Sooners demonstrated why they are one of the top teams in the country. As they move forward, maintaining their momentum and addressing areas for improvement will be crucial in sustaining their success throughout the season.
