Rhode Island likely ends Trae Young's college career in OT thriller
It took overtime Thursday, but seventh-seeded Rhode Island was able to hold on for an 83-78 victory over Oklahoma, kicking off the Round of 64 with a sensational game that likely ended the collegiate career of burgeoning star Trae Young.
The freshman phenom finished with 28 points on 9-for-18 shooting from the field and 7-for-8 from the foul line, but his scoring touch was anything but consistent. He also tallied seven assists, five rebounds, and one steal, with six turnovers.
The Sooners couldn't have asked for a better first half from the nation's leading scorer: Young nailed all four of his shot attempts for 10 points, giving Oklahoma a four-point lead at the break. Then, as if a switch had been flipped, Young's scoring proficiency disappeared; the 19-year-old wouldn't hit net again until the 6:51 mark of the second half.
With his switch turned back on, Young's 14 points in the final 6:51 of regulation forced overtime, but it wasn't enough to pull off the upset, as the Rams outscored Oklahoma 14-9 in the decisive frame.
Young is widely expected to declare for this summer's NBA draft, where the flashy scorer would likely be selected within the top 10 picks.