Sooner Win First Exhibition Game

November 6, 2001

by Staff Reporter

Kelvin Sampson's Oklahoma Sooners basketball team won its first exhibition  game 86-78 Monday night in the historic OU Field House. Led by junior Hollis Price with 20 points, the Sooners had four players in double digit scoring. Senior Aaron McGhee had 19 points, junior college transfers Ebi Ere and Quannas White had 19 and 10 points respectively in the win over Athletes First.

Sampson said he was pleased with his team's effort, but expects the Sooners to get much better as expected as the season progresses..

"I thought that Athletes First gave us a good test tonight," said Sampson. "They've got a lot of good talent on that team including Tony Heard and Eric Martin. You certainly have to give them credit but we can play better. Our team did some good things but it's November 5 and we played just about how we should. We're going to get a lot better and the good thing is that we have a few days to practice on some things so we can continue to get better."

Ere was pleased with his debut as a Sooner, but he said he has to get better.

"I was pleased with what I was able to do offensively, but I have a lot of improvements to make on defense," said Ere. "I needed to play much better on that end of the floor. I felt like I was getting into a good flow in the second half. I was a little off to start the game."

Former Sooner and current Athletes First player Eric Martin was impressed with this year's team -- especially Ere.

"Other than chasing Ebi around the whole court, I had a blast. He's a tremendous talent, and he's going to help OU out a lot" said Martin.