Close losses all count the same, but after the Sooners’ disappointing effort in Ames earlier this week, going toe to toe with the No. 1 team in the nation was an encouraging site.
When the Oklahoma Sooners are hitting their shots, they’ve proven this season that they can hang with just about anyone. And in this contest, the Sooners shot very well. Oklahoma had a chance to send the game to overtime, getting an initial stop on Jamal Shead’s game-tying attempt on Houston’s final possession.
However, the Sooners couldn’t collect the rebound, and the ball found Shead again, who did what good players do when given a second chance and buried the game-winner and Oklahoma’s upset bid.
Still, it was an encouraging performance for the Sooners as they head into the final week of the regular season. Sure, you hate to lose any game but the 2023-2024 season has shown improvement. Oklahoma sits 7-9 in Big 12 play after they won just five games a year ago. Overall, the Sooners are one win away from a 20-win season.
Despite how the rest of the season goes, this team looks like they’re heading for the NCAA tournament. Now it’s about earning the best seed they can in March Madness.
Check out the best photos from the Oklahoma Sooners loss to the Houston Cougars.