OU Basketball: Can Oklahoma End Losing Streak vs. No. 21 Mississippi State?
As the Oklahoma Sooners gear up to face the No. 21-ranked Mississippi State Bulldogs, there is a palpable sense of urgency surrounding their basketball program. Oklahoma, under the guidance of head coach Porter Moser, has been working hard to turn their season around after a difficult stretch in Big 12 play. However, one challenge they still have yet to overcome is their ongoing losing streak against ranked teams, including Mississippi State. The Sooners’ matchup with the Bulldogs presents both a daunting challenge and an opportunity for redemption.
Mississippi State, currently ranked No. 21 in the nation, has had a strong season thus far. Their defense has been exceptional, and they’ve been a difficult team to score against. Meanwhile, Oklahoma, although showing flashes of brilliance, has struggled to maintain consistency, particularly against top-tier competition. With the game approaching, the Sooners are eager to put an end to their losing streak and prove that they can compete with the nation’s elite teams.
But can they do it? Here’s a breakdown of the factors at play in this crucial matchup.
The Importance of the Game
For Oklahoma, this game is about more than just ending a losing streak. It’s an opportunity to build momentum in the latter half of the season, especially as they push for an NCAA tournament bid. The Sooners have had a mixed season, with a few key wins but also several close losses. With the Big 12 conference games piling up, every victory is crucial for seeding in both the Big 12 Tournament and the NCAA Tournament. A win over a ranked opponent like Mississippi State would be a huge boost to Oklahoma’s resume.
However, Mississippi State represents one of the toughest teams the Sooners will face this season. The Bulldogs have been playing with a chip on their shoulder, proving their worth among the nation’s best. They’re coming off impressive wins and have demonstrated the kind of balance between offense and defense that could make them a formidable force in the postseason.
Oklahoma’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Oklahoma’s biggest strength lies in their ability to play tough, disciplined basketball. Under Moser, they have prided themselves on their defensive play, though they haven’t been able to consistently lock down opposing offenses. The Sooners have had difficulty in close games, often unable to finish strong or execute under pressure. They will need to play a full 40-minute game to have any shot at defeating a well-rounded team like Mississippi State.
Offensively, Oklahoma has shown flashes of greatness, particularly in transition. However, they’ve struggled at times to generate consistent offense in half-court sets. Key players like Grant Sherfield, who has been a standout on offense this season, will need to play at a high level and avoid forcing shots when they aren’t falling. This has been a problem for Oklahoma in their recent losses, and facing a team like Mississippi State will require a sharper offensive strategy.
Oklahoma will also need to get significant contributions from their frontcourt. They’ve been up and down in terms of rebounding and physicality in the paint. Against a team like Mississippi State, who has a strong presence in the paint, the Sooners can’t afford to be outmuscled inside. Big men like Tanner Groves will need to control the boards and provide secondary scoring behind Sherfield.
Mississippi State’s Defensive Power
One of the main reasons Mississippi State has risen to No. 21 in the country is their stellar defense. The Bulldogs have one of the best defensive units in the nation, limiting opponents to low shooting percentages and stifling offensive flow. They have an aggressive defensive scheme that can disrupt ball movement, and they capitalize on their opponents’ mistakes. For Oklahoma, this presents a significant challenge.
Oklahoma will need to avoid playing into Mississippi State’s hands by committing turnovers and taking ill-advised shots. The Bulldogs excel at turning defense into offense, and the Sooners’ inability to protect the basketball could quickly lead to a blowout. This is where Sherfield’s leadership and ability to make smart decisions with the ball become critical.
Additionally, Mississippi State’s defense will test Oklahoma’s patience. The Sooners will have to work hard to generate quality shot attempts against one of the stingiest defenses in college basketball. Moser will likely have to dial up some creative offensive sets to get open looks for his shooters, while also ensuring that his team doesn’t get caught in a half-court struggle that favors the Bulldogs.
Keys to the Game for Oklahoma
To have a chance against Mississippi State, Oklahoma must focus on a few key areas:
- Limit Turnovers: Mississippi State thrives on turnovers and fast-break opportunities. Oklahoma must take care of the basketball and make the Bulldogs work for every possession.
- Control the Paint: As mentioned, Mississippi State’s defense is tough, but they also have size in the frontcourt. Oklahoma needs to match their physicality, especially on the boards. If the Sooners can limit second-chance opportunities for the Bulldogs, it will go a long way in keeping the game competitive.
- Balanced Scoring: While Grant Sherfield has been the go-to scorer, Oklahoma can’t rely on him alone to carry the offense. Players like Jalen Hill and Bijan Cortes need to step up in order to create balance and force Mississippi State’s defense to focus on multiple threats.
- Defensive Discipline: Oklahoma has a solid defensive foundation, but they will need to step up in this game. Mississippi State thrives on getting easy baskets off turnovers and fast breaks. If the Sooners can slow down the Bulldogs’ transition offense and force them into half-court sets, they’ll have a better chance to limit Mississippi State’s scoring.
- Execute in Crunch Time: Oklahoma’s recent losses have often been tied to their struggles in close games. Whether it’s a lack of execution down the stretch or missed free throws, the Sooners need to be mentally tough when the game is on the line. Ending the losing streak against a ranked team will require a complete team effort in the final minutes.
A Possible Turning Point for the Sooners
If Oklahoma is able to end their losing streak against Mississippi State, it would serve as a turning point for the season. The Sooners would not only bolster their tournament resume but also build confidence moving forward. A victory over a ranked team like the Bulldogs would prove that Oklahoma has the potential to hang with the best in the country, especially in an unpredictable and competitive Big 12.
On the other hand, another loss to a ranked opponent could continue to haunt the Sooners, as it would further emphasize their inability to close out games against top teams. It would also place more pressure on their remaining conference schedule, making every game even more crucial in the chase for an NCAA Tournament bid.