Oklahoma opened the Lon Kruger era with a hard-fought 78-74 win over visiting Idaho State, but the more pressing news around the Sooner program is the NCAA sanctions levied on Friday.

Oklahoma was placed on probation for three years for committing major violations while the program was already on probation. The penalties include the loss of one scholarship and all 13 wins from the 2009-10 season in addition to recruiting sanctions.

On the court, the Sooners trailed the Bengals from the Big Sky for much of the first half. Oklahoma finally took control with a late surge in the final five minutes, sparked by Romero Osby, who had 17 points, 10 rebounds and two crucial blocks.

Calvin Newell led all scorers with 19 points for Oklahoma in its season opener. The Sooners played without Stephen Pledger, a double-digit scorer and one of four returning starters. Pledger was suspended for playing in an impermissible pro-am game over the summer.

The Bengals, picked to finish ninth in the Big Sky, hit only 7 of 24 3-points and surrendered key offensive rebounds during Oklahoma's late run. Kenny McGowen led the Bengals with 14 points.