Over the course of the season, the Oklahoma Sooners proved how scheduling sways the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee. Despite failing to produce a record above .500 in conference play, the program secured an at-large bid. Pairing with another member of a Power 6 conference, Lon Kruger produced a convincing win in the opening round. Clearly laying a blueprint for all others hoping to replicate the idea, OU added yet another marquee matchup to the non-conference portion of the schedule this upcoming year.
On Tuesday morning, the university announced a November tilt with the Minnesota Golden Gophers at a neutral site. In a press release from Sooner Sports, Lon Kruger said, “We’re excited to add another challenging neutral site game for next season by facing a talented Minnesota team at the Sanford Pentagon., Sanford Health is a huge proponent of college basketball and a crucial ally in the fight against cancer through their support of the Coaches vs. Cancer organization.”
Taking a look at the schedule, the Sooners now have contests scheduled against Minnesota, Creighton, and Oregon State. With the potential to play Butler, Stanford, and Missouri during the Hall of Fame Classic, the non-conference portion of the slate continues to grow in strength. Will it lead to another NCAA Tournament bid?
The remainder of the schedule will be released at a later date.