Challenging for a spot in the NCAA Tournament after two consecutive wins in conference play, the Sooners prepared for a contest against a worthy opponent. Stepping into Hilton Coliseum, a rejuvenated Oklahoma squad remained in the game against Iowa State deep into the second half. However, an 18-3 run allowed the Cyclones to pull away from the competition before sealing the deal by a final of 78-61.
The loss puts the program in a precarious situation as far as Selection Sunday is concerned. Criticized for sporting a 5-10 record against conference foes at this point in time, three games remain on the regular season slate. Hosting a struggling West Virginia Mountaineers squad on Saturday, many surrounding the university expect a win. Assuming that’s the case, OU must find a way to topple the Kansas Jayhawks or the Kansas State Wildcats in one of the two final outing before the post season begins.
Although the Sooners are locked in to a sub .500 conference record regardless of the outcome, the team earned a No. 10 Seed in Joe Lundari’s mid-game tournament talks. As conversation surrounding the NCAA Tournament heats up, the Big 12 is looking at pushing eight teams into the field. Of course, Oklahoma and TCU remain on the bubble with the season finale and conference tournament yet to be played.
It’s anyone’s guess as to where the Sooners will land when it’s all said and done.