RALEIGH, NC — In a stunning display of competitive spirit, the ninth-seeded Oklahoma Sooners faced off against the eighth-seeded Connecticut Huskies on March 21, 2025, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Lenovo Center. Despite a valiant effort, the Sooners fell to the two-time defending champions, losing 67-59, marking a challenging end to their season.
Jeremiah Fears, the standout point guard for Oklahoma, made headlines with a game-high 20 points, showcasing his growing prowess on the court. However, it wasn't enough to clinch victory, as the Sooners ended their season with a 20-14 record, exiting the tournament just one game in. The University of Connecticut improved to 24-10, advancing to face the top-seeded Florida Gators in the next round.
The game commenced at 8:25 p.m. CT, but the Sooners faced an uphill battle right from the start. Early nerves and a sluggish beginning saw them trailing 11-2 shortly after tip-off. Head coach Porter Moser emphasized the importance of defending against UConn’s elite ball movement throughout the week leading up to the game. “We’re playing our tails off,” Moser relayed during the match, acknowledging his team's spirited efforts even in the face of adversity.
As the first half progressed, Oklahoma found themselves struggling offensively, shooting only 29 percent and making just 7 of 24 attempts. UConn's defense also posed significant challenges, limiting the Sooners' scoring opportunities. A key moment came with just over ten minutes left in the first half when Glenn Taylor hit a crucial 3-pointer to cut UConn's lead to just two points at 18-16, showing that the Sooners could contest the game.
The intensity on defense sharpened as both teams entered the final minutes of the half, with neither able to score in the final three minutes and 16 seconds. Despite this, Oklahoma's defense managed to force six turnovers from UConn as they limited the Huskies to a 39 percent shooting rate.
As the second half began, Oklahoma sought to rally and overcome their first-half deficit. Sooners' forward Jalon Moore started strong in the second half with an impressive three-point play, energizing both his teammates and the small contingent of Oklahoma supporters present. Moore finished the evening with 13 points and seven rebounds, providing much-needed support to Fears as they fought their way back into the match.
As both teams exchanged baskets, the Sooners succeeded in briefly taking the lead midway through the second half, thanks to a layup from Moore and an offensive rebound leading to a three-point play by forward Mo Wague. The Sooners led 47-46 with just over nine minutes left on the clock.
Despite their tenacity, the Huskies quickly regained the lead, with solo talent from players like Solo Ball and Alex Karaban steering UConn to a lead they would not relinquish. With six minutes remaining, the teams were tied again 54-54, showcasing the back-and-forth nature of the match that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The closing moments were characterized by high tension, as Oklahoma sought desperately to regain momentum. Coach Moser called a timeout after Karaban's jumper extended UConn's lead to 60-56. Unfortunately, Oklahoma's offense sputtered, resulting in missed opportunities to score, while UConn capitalized on their chances at the free-throw line.
Ultimately, the Sooners couldn't convert in the final few minutes, finishing with just one field goal during the last 2:44 of the game. The final whistle marked another disappointing exit from March Madness for Oklahoma, who hadn't participated since the 2020-2021 tournament.
Despite the difficult loss, there were silver linings for the Sooners' faithful fans. They witnessed the emergence of Jeremiah Fears, who not only led his team in scoring but also uplifted spirits with his standout performance, highlighting a promising future for the Oklahoma basketball program under Moser's leadership.
“We can’t break,” Moser mentioned when reflecting on the challenging journey throughout the season. This sentiment resonated with both players and supporters alike, as excitement grows for the future of the Sooners.
The Sooners’ exit leaves them yearning for more, and there’s hope within the program that next season brings more opportunities for advancement in the NCAA tournament. Judging by the season's progression, it appears Oklahoma has the potential to rise against collegiate basketball’s elite teams in the seasons to come.
