Soaring to Victory: The Spirit of University of Oklahoma Athletics

NORMAN – Oklahoma nearly overcame a 23-point disadvantage but ultimately fell in a 77-73 defeat to Texas on Wednesday evening at Lloyd Noble Center.

Senior forward Jalon Moore achieved a personal best of 29 points, with 26 coming in the second half, leading the Sooners (13-4, 0-4 SEC). Freshman guard Jeremiah Fears contributed 20 points, while Texas (12-5, 1-3 SEC) maintained their edge thanks to Jordan Pope’s 27 points and a flawless 6-of-6 showing at the free throw line.

Texas established an early lead, with Pope’s 3-pointer at the 10:24 mark of the first half increasing the Longhorns’ margin to 22-12. By halftime, Texas had extended its lead to 43-27, bolstered by 10 points from both Tramon Mark and Tre Johnson.

The Longhorns commenced the second half with a 10-3 surge, widening their lead to 53-30, but Oklahoma responded with a 23-3 rally from the 15:32 to 7:45 marks, narrowing the gap to 56-53 in front of an enthusiastic crowd. During a particular point in the second half, Moore accounted for 19 of OU’s 22 points.

The Sooners closed to within two points in the final moments, yet a late layup from Texas secured the victory.

Moore ended the game shooting 9 of 13 from the court and collected a game-high eight rebounds along with a block. He struggled in the first half, hitting 1 for 5 from the field, but excelled in the second, going 8 for 8, which included three 3-pointers. Fears also made contributions with five rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Senior forward Glenn Taylor Jr. came off the bench to score seven points, grab two rebounds, match his season-high with three assists, and achieve a career-best four steals in 24 minutes.

Oklahoma stands as the only team in the nation with four players who have scored at least 29 points in a single game this season: Moore tonight, Fears against Michigan (30), Duke Miles against Central Arkansas (29), and Brycen Goodine against Texas A&M (34).

Over 20 NBA scouts witnessed Oklahoma shooting 51.0% from the field, which included a remarkable 70.0% in the second half. Texas, on the other hand, converted 48.3% of their shots throughout the game.

The Sooners will be back in action on Saturday, hosting South Carolina (10-7, 0-4 SEC) at Lloyd Noble Center. The tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. on ESPNU. Tickets are available for purchase.