Oklahoma’s run in the Big 12 Tournament was cut short in a disappointing 77-70 first-round loss to the TCU Horned Frogs on Wednesday in Kansas City. Injuries played a major role in the game’s outcome, as Oklahoma was without key starters: forward John Hugley along with guards Javian McCollum and Rivaldo Soares.
Gutsy Performance Despite Setbacks:
Despite being shorthanded, the Sooners displayed impressive resilience throughout the game. Trailing by double digits for most of the night, they mounted a late surge in the second half, fueled by 16 points apiece from Jalon Moore and Otega Oweh. They even cut the lead to seven points with just over a minute remaining. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit.
Missed Opportunities and TCU’s Strong Start:
- Early Struggles: Oklahoma’s offense sputtered out of the gate, falling behind early and allowing TCU to build a comfortable lead. The absence of scoring threats by McCollum Soares was clearly felt.
- Defensive Lapses: While the Sooners battled back, they struggled at times to contain TCU’s offense, especially in the first half. Emanuel Miller led the Horned Frogs with 26 points and exploited mismatches in the paint.
- Missed Free Throw: Keeping up with the theme of things that have plagued the Sooners this season (injuries & poor defense), we can’t neglect to mention struggles from the free throw line. Oklahoma missed ten free throws (16-26) in a game that they lost by seven points.
Waiting for Selection Sunday:
The loss pushed the Sooners further doen on the NCAA Tournament bubble. Their overall record and conference performance throughout the season will be weighed against the disappointing performance in Ksnsas City. Porter Moser and his team are now left to wait anxiously for Selection Sunday to see if they receive an invitation to the national tournament.
Looking Ahead:
This loss stings, especially considering the Sooners’ NCAA Tournament aspirations. However, their performance, particularly considering the injuries, demonstrates they are a team that’s going to fight until the end. Call me a hopeless optimist if you’d like, but I can’t help but think they could make a postseason run if they get healthy.
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I wish I was as optimistic but facts are facts and I know we will be one and done or even worse be completely left out just like last year! It’s so frustrating to watch
I get what you’re saying, and I don’t disagree that it’s frustrating to watch. That said, if they get both guards back for either the NCAA or NIT then this could be a completely different team.