Basketball is making waves in Oklahoma, a state traditionally dominated by football. Despite the struggles of the major men's college basketball programs to secure spots in the NCAA Tournament, Oklahoma is stepping into the spotlight this March Madness season.
OU women's basketball coach Jennie Baranczyk highlighted the significance of Oklahoma hosting both NCAA Tournament and NIT games. "It's easy to overlook how crucial hosting is," Baranczyk noted.
"Putting Oklahoma on the map for basketball is vital. Hosting the men's regional in Oklahoma City and part of the women's tournament here is incredible.
We're thrilled about it."
For the second consecutive year, the Sooners will host the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament at the Lloyd Noble Center, thanks to their top-4 seed. Joining them in the Norman Region are No.
5 Michigan State, No. 12 Colorado State, and No.
13 Idaho, with games kicking off on Friday.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma City's Paycom Center will host the first and second rounds of the men's tournament, with the Big 12 as the designated host. Matchups this week in OKC feature No.
4 Nebraska vs. No.
13 Troy, No. 5 Vanderbilt vs.
No. 12 McNeese, No.
2 Houston vs. No.
15 Idaho, and No. 7 Saint Mary's vs.
No. 10 Texas A&M.
Beyond the NCAA Tournament, Tulsa has secured a No. 1 seed in the NIT and will host games in that competition. Oklahoma State is also in Tulsa's region, hosting a first-round matchup. Although OU narrowly missed the NCAA Tournament, they declined an NIT invitation despite being a top seed.
While college football reigns supreme in Oklahoma, the rise of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA and the increasing appeal of college basketball are shifting the landscape. This growing interest is a boon for college basketball programs in the state, driving financial support and boosting fan engagement.