The Oklahoma Sooners faced a pivotal matchup against Texas A&M, needing a win to keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive. Unfortunately, they fell short, losing 75-71, and dropping to 13-14 overall and 3-11 in the SEC. This defeat marks Texas A&M's fourth consecutive victory over Oklahoma.
On a night when the Sooners celebrated the legacy of Buddy Hield by retiring his jersey, the team couldn't find the magic on the court.
First Half: Keeping It Close
The Sooners entered halftime trailing by just two points, a manageable gap considering their shooting struggles. Oklahoma shot 39% from the field, with Nijel Pack, usually a scoring leader, going scoreless on three attempts.
Despite this, the game remained tight, presenting a golden opportunity for the Sooners in this must-win scenario. Yet, they couldn't seize it.
Second Half: A&M Maintains Control
Oklahoma briefly held a lead for nine seconds, with their largest margin being a single point. Texas A&M dictated the pace for most of the game.
The Sooners kept it competitive but failed to generate enough momentum. Even when A&M went scoreless for nearly five minutes late in the second half, Oklahoma couldn't capitalize, hitting just one of 10 shots during that stretch.
With 25 seconds remaining and trailing by three, Oklahoma had a chance to close the gap. Dayton Forsythe took a crucial three-point attempt but missed, and Texas A&M secured the rebound, sealing the game with a free throw. The Sooners had their chances but couldn't overcome their recurring issues.
Standout Performances
Mo Wague deserves recognition for his solid performance, recording a double-double with 12 points, 13 rebounds, two blocks, and a steal. His efforts kept Oklahoma in the hunt.
Despite the late miss, Forsythe also shone, leading the team with 14 points and six assists. Both players delivered strong performances on a night when other key contributors struggled.
Ultimately, the Sooners showed glimpses of potential but couldn't put it all together when it mattered most.