Romero Osby scored 11 points and Oklahoma converted three free throws in the final 17 seconds to beat Northwestern State 69-65 on Friday night, giving coach Lon Kruger his 500th career victory.
Reserve Jalen West scored 13 points to lead Northwestern State (3-3). West converted 3 of 5 3-point attempts.
The Sooners (6-1) won their third consecutive game, but it didn't come easy.
Five minutes into the game, Northwestern State Coach Mike McConathy substituted his entire starting five. He did it again seven minutes later and it seemed to help as the Demons led 32-29 at the half.
Neither team shot well in the first half, with both teams combining to convert 22 of 59 shots.
Northwestern State's defensive pressure frustrated the Sooners, who struggled to inbound the ball, particularly in the final minutes.
Now in his 27th season, Kruger is 500-321 and is No. 18 in wins among active head coaches.
