In a thrilling Saturday night matchup, the Oklahoma Sooners men’s basketball team delivered a clutch performance, outlasting the Texas Longhorns 76-72 in Austin. This hard-fought victory marked a crucial turning point in the Sooners’ season, bolstering their NCAA Tournament aspirations and snapping a seven-game losing streak against their arch-rivals.
Oklahoma’s head coach, Porter Moser, has consistently emphasized the importance of late-game defensive stops throughout the season. On this occasion, his team responded magnificently, producing a series of pivotal defensive plays to secure the win. The Sooners’ triumph, which came in front of a hostile crowd at the Moody Center, not only revitalized their NCAA hopes but also marked Moser’s first victory over Texas since taking the helm.
The stakes were high entering the contest, with Oklahoma projected as the “First Team Out” in ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi’s latest NCAA Tournament projection. Lunardi’s assertion that the winner would move back into the projected tournament field while the loser would face significant work in the SEC Tournament only added to the sense of urgency.
In a game that will be remembered for its intense drama, Oklahoma’s senior guard Duke Miles rose to the occasion, silencing the Texas faithful with a clutch and-one finish under the basket. This pivotal play, which put the Sooners up 69-66 with 2:42 remaining, was followed by a clutch free throw conversion that further energized the Oklahoma contingent.
The Sooners’ momentum continued to build as Brycen Goodine nailed a corner three-pointer, extending Oklahoma’s lead to six and sparking rapturous chants of “Boomer Sooner” from the traveling fans. This exhilarating finish capped off a memorable night for Oklahoma, as they secured a vital win that propels them back into the NCAA Tournament conversation.
With Selection Sunday looming, the Sooners’ victory couldn’t have come at a more opportune time. As they look to build on this momentum, Oklahoma’s renewed sense of purpose and determination will undoubtedly serve them well in the season’s final stretch.
