Oklahoma had every opportunity to pick up a big win on the road but couldn’t close in the final minutes against an underrated Villanova team on Saturday.
It was the little things that failed Oklahoma, as they weren’t efficient with the ball in the final five minutes.
The Sooners were just 2 of 7 from the field down the stretch with three turnovers and hit just 50% of their free throws in the final minutes to let the game slip away from them. Villanova certainly had something to do with that, but giving away possessions or missing free throws is how you lose tight ball games.
A bright spot for the Sooners this season has been the play of transfer point guard [autotag]Grant Sherfield[/autotag]. Against the Villanova Wildcats on Saturday, Sherfield chipped in 21 points, four rebounds, and four assists. Trailing by five with 26 seconds left, Sherfield hit a three to bring the Sooners within two. He wasn’t able to provide the heroics after Villanova missed the second of two free throws and the Wildcats closed out the game.
Still, Sherfield’s off to a great start in his first season with the Sooners, providing a penetration threat and an outside shooting presence for Porter Moser’s crew.
He leads the Sooners in points (16.2) and assists (4.9) and also averaging 2.9 rebounds per game. He’s leading the Sooners in minutes, field goals made, and three-pointers made.
The Sooners are still off to a strong start to the season and will be in contention for a March Madness berth, but the games are going to be getting tougher. After facing the Kansas City Roos, Oklahoma will face No. 11 Arkansas. Following a home slate against Central Arkansas. Oklahoma will close out nonconference play against Florida before Big 12 play begins against No. 2 Texas.