Red Stormin' in Norman, St. John's advances to first-ever Sweet 16
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Eugeneia McPherson scored a game-high 21 points, 70 win over Oklahoma in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at the Lloyd Noble Center.
Shenneika Smith contributed 18 points for the third-seeded Red Storm (24-9), followed by Nadirah McKenith and Da'Shena Stevens chipped in 13 and 11 points, respectively.
The sixth-seeded Sooners (21-13) were paced by Whitney Hand with 16 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, while Nicole Griffin and Morgan Hook 12 and 10 points, respectively.
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Oklahoma shot an impressive 56.5 percent from the field in the first half and also knocked down all nine chances at the free-throw line in the period, yet the squad still trailed by three points at the break, 39-36.
In the second half the Sooners were able to battle back and post a three-point lead of their own just over three minutes into the frame, but the locals made a total of just 10 field goals in the period, allowing the Red Storm to surge for the four-point win.
In a game that experienced 13 ties and eight lead changes, Oklahoma hurt itself with 19 turnovers as it was turned back from making the Sweet 16 for the fourth straight campaign.
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St. John's had never made it to the round of 16 before tonight and is now set to take on Duke, the second seed in the Fresno Region, this weekend.