November 20, 2006

Associated Press
Rivals.com College Basketball

? Box score

LAHAINA, Hawaii - Robert Dozier had 13 points to lead a balanced Memphis offense, and the 12th-ranked Tigers beat Oklahoma 77-65 Monday in a sloppy opening-round game of the EA Sports Maui Invitational.

The Tigers (2-0) will play in the semifinals Tuesday against No. 19 Georgia Tech, a 79-61 winner over Purdue.

Memphis, which starts three sophomores and a freshman, took control at the start of the second half by hitting seven of its first 10 shots to lead 58-42 with 12:04 left.

Oklahoma (2-1) drew within 10 points twice, the last at 69-59 with 4:36 left on two free throws by Michael Neal. The Tigers, however, were able to improve their foul shooting and keep their lead over the final 2 1/2 minutes.

Eight Memphis players had between 13 and six points, but the Tigers hurt themselves by missing 14 of their first 27 free throw attempts before finishing 20-for-37.

Neal, who missed the Sooners' first two games because of a suspension over playing in an unsanctioned summer league, finished with 18 points. Taylor Griffin added 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Freshman Willie Kemp had 12 points for Memphis, while Antonio Anderson and Andre Allen had 10 each.

Memphis used its speed advantage to force Oklahoma into 21 turnovers, but the Tigers committed 18 themselves.

Oklahoma scored the opening basket of the second half to get within 39-34, but Anderson and Allen hit 3s on consecutive possessions to start Memphis' hot streak from the field.

The win was the 150th at Memphis for coach John Calipari, who is 150-59 in his seventh season there. His overall college record is 343-130.

Memphis improved to 5-0 all-time against Oklahoma.

This is Memphis' fourth appearance in Maui, with its best finish third in 1992. Oklahoma is in its third appearance and the Sooners lost in the championship game in 1988.

For more coverage of the Oklahoma Sooners, check out SoonerScoop.com.