The University of Oklahoma men’s basketball team found themselves on the losing end of another hard-fought contest on January 18, as they fell to the University of Texas 76-72 in a game that was marked by a late comeback attempt that ultimately fell short. With the loss, Oklahoma now stands at 0-4 in SEC play, a challenging start to their conference campaign that leaves their postseason hopes hanging in the balance.

The game began with both teams exchanging early buckets, but it was Texas who gained the upper hand in the first half, using strong shooting and stifling defense to take a 14-point lead into halftime. Oklahoma struggled to get into a rhythm offensively, with the Longhorns’ defense forcing several turnovers and difficult shots. Texas was able to take advantage of these miscues, executing in transition and knocking down timely three-pointers to create separation.

Despite the sizable deficit, Oklahoma refused to roll over. The second half saw a much-improved effort from the Sooners, who began to find their stride offensively. Led by a fiery performance from senior guard Grant Sherfield and some timely three-point shooting, Oklahoma clawed their way back into the contest. With just over three minutes remaining, the Sooners had cut the Texas lead to a mere two points, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

However, the late-game heroics that Oklahoma so desperately needed were elusive. After coming within striking distance, the Sooners were unable to capitalize on critical possessions in the final minutes. Missed opportunities, combined with Texas’ ability to hit clutch free throws down the stretch, sealed the victory for the Longhorns. Oklahoma’s inability to finish strong, especially in a game they fought so hard to stay competitive in, is a growing concern for head coach Porter Moser.

This defeat marks Oklahoma’s fourth consecutive loss in SEC play, and questions are beginning to swirl around the team’s ability to compete at the highest level of the conference. While the Sooners showed promise in their second-half resurgence, they continue to struggle with consistency, particularly in high-pressure moments. With a tough schedule ahead, Oklahoma will need to address their defensive lapses and lack of execution in clutch situations if they hope to turn around their season and avoid slipping further down the standings.

The Sooners will need to regroup quickly and refocus as they head into the latter half of their SEC slate, where every game will be crucial for both their confidence and their postseason aspirations.