The Oklahoma Sooners' basketball journey isn't over yet this season. After narrowly missing out on the NCAA Tournament, the Sooners have found a new path in the College Basketball Crown. This tournament, now in its second year, offers a postseason opportunity for teams that didn't make the NCAA cut.
The Sooners are set to face off against former Big 12 rival Colorado in the quarterfinals on Wednesday, April 1, at 7 p.m. CT.
The winner will then take on either Baylor or Minnesota. On the other side of the bracket, matchups include Stanford vs.
West Virginia and Rutgers vs. Creighton.
Colorado enters the game with a 17-15 record, having recently fallen to Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Tournament. Interestingly, the Sooners managed a victory over OSU earlier this season in a nonconference matchup.
Head coach Porter Moser expressed the team's initial disappointment at missing the NCAA Tournament, especially after a strong finish to the season. "We felt we played some of the best basketball in the country down the stretch," Moser said.
Despite the setback, the team decided to seize the opportunity to continue playing. "We're not ready for this ride to end and we want to keep competing together," Moser added, highlighting the allure of the Crown and its high-major team composition.
The College Basketball Crown will take place in Las Vegas from April 1-5, with games broadcast on FS1 and FOX. The semifinals coincide with the NCAA Tournament Final Four, adding an interesting twist to the basketball calendar.
The Sooners opted for the Crown over the NIT, partly due to the tournament's $500,000 NIL prize pool, which aligns with OU's commitment to enhancing its program's resources. Athletic director Roger Denny recently confirmed Moser's return for another season, emphasizing the importance of this tournament for the team's future prospects.
While the Sooners' ultimate goal remains the NCAA Tournament, this experience offers a valuable stepping stone. With a 19-15 record this season, the Crown presents a chance to build momentum and set the stage for a stronger campaign next year.