Oklahoma's Buddy Hield On His 37-Point Performance Against Oregon in the Elite 8: "Blame It On Kobe"

Hield claims that he played the game of his life after knowing Kobe was watching.

Image via USA Today Sports/Richard Mackson

The Oklahoma Sooners was the first team to earn a berth to the NCAA Final Four on Saturday after beating Oregon Ducks 80-62. This is OU's first trip to the National Semifinals since 2002.

First Team All-American and Wooden Award finalistBuddy Hield went off for 37 points, an NCAA tournament record for an Oklahoma player. From the game's tip-off, Hield was on fire. He drilled in 8 three-pointers total.

Kobe Bryant was in attendance at the Elite 8 game in Anaheim, CA, and Buddy claims that spotting the Lakers legend in the crowd was his inspiration for putting on a shooting clinic, and carrying his squad to win the West Regional final.

When your basketball idol, and one of the greatest players of all time, is in the crowd watching you, plus your college basketball career is on the line, best believe that you're going to get amped for playing the game of your life.

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[via Sports Illustrated/Twitter]

 

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