University of Washington
Oklahoma -- Semifinals Great Alaska Shootout
No. 22 Washington Downs Oklahoma, 96-91
November 26, 2004 | Men's Basketball
Nov. 27, 2004
By DAN JOLING
Associated Press Writer
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - Nate Robinson scored 19 points and had eight assists, leading No. 22 Washington past Oklahoma 96-91 Friday night in the semifinals of the Great Alaska Shootout.
Reserve Jamaal Williams had 18 points and six rebounds, Bobby Jones had 13 points and six rebounds, and Tre Simmons also had 13 points for the Huskies (3-0), who will play No. 19 Alabama in the championship Saturday. The Crimson Tide beat Minnesota 78-72 earlier in the day.
Kevin Bookout had 22 points on 9-of-10 shooting from the field for Oklahoma (2-1). Terrell Everett added 19 points and Taj Gray scored 17 and pulled down six rebounds.
Washington broke open a close game when Bookout went to the bench early in the second half and used a balanced scoring attack to stave off an Oklahoma comeback.
Bookout picked up his fourth foul with just under four minutes gone in the second half and Hakeem Rollins converted both free throws to start a 18-6 run and give Washington a 70-59 lead with 11:11 remaining.
A 3-pointer by Everett closed the gap to 86-80 with 4:14 remaining, but Williams followed with a dunk and the Huskies made six straight free throws in the last three minutes to hold off the Sooners. Washington converted 22-of-24 free throws for the game.
Both teams shot well in the first half and combined to make all 11 free-throw attempts. The Huskies shot 60 percent, including 6-for-7 by Williams, who scored 14 points in the half.
Oklahoma, which trailed 26-16 with 9:30 remaining, fought back behind 12 first-half points by Bookout and was behind 47-43 at the break.
