It’s been a challenging stretch for Sooner Nation, evident in their latest outing against the Texas Longhorns. Oklahoma’s men’s basketball team, under the helm of Porter Moser, has seen the highs and lows this season, but Wednesday’s game added another layer of frustration as they fell 77-73 to Texas at home. This marks a troubling skid, as OU drops to 13-4 and starts 0-4 in SEC play, even after breezing through their nonconference schedule unbeaten.
Despite Texas’ struggles, the game wasn’t as close as the score might suggest. Oklahoma trailed 43-27 at the half, and the Longhorns, boasting a future NBA Draft prospect, seemed to have all the answers early on. The Sooners, however, aren’t short on talent themselves, with Jeremiah Fears also drawing NBA attention. Yet, the spotlight wasn’t enough to prevent a fourth consecutive conference loss.
Credit is due to the Sooners for a spirited comeback attempt. Down by 23 at one point, they narrowed the gap impressively, outscoring Texas 46-34 in the second half. Jalon Moore’s 29 points and Jeremiah Fears’ 20 fueled the rally, but it ultimately proved insufficient. This rally highlights a painful pattern: promising starts followed by stumbles in conference play, a cycle that’s kept them out of the NCAA Tournament for three straight seasons under Moser—a streak that, despite the talent, appears destined to continue.
The fiery fanbase in Norman, particularly the student section at Lloyd Noble Center, showed up, creating a charged atmosphere that unfortunately couldn’t secure the win. This dedicated support, despite a frustrating late-night tip-off, reflects the growing impatience with Moser’s tenure. The coach’s record, including a winless 0-7 mark against their bitter rivals and a struggling track record in crucial games, has worn thin with supporters.
The sentiment has been echoed loudly across social media, where fans are voicing their frustration and calling for changes. It’s clear; the patience of Sooner Nation is running low after another bitter defeat. It’s a scene reminiscent of that exhausting movie you can’t seem to stop watching, yet hope for a different ending each time.
With nearly two months left in the season, the Sooners have time to change the narrative. However, it’s a tall order, one that requires immediate adjustments and consistent performances—a task easier said than done. Moser and his squad face an uphill battle, but as any passionate fan knows, in sports, there’s always a chance for redemption. Let’s see if the Sooners can defy the odds or if this season ends as another chapter in this ongoing saga.
