The Oklahoma Sooners men’s basketball team has established itself as one of the top teams this season, continuing their impressive run with a commanding 89-66 victory over Central Arkansas at the Lloyd Noble Center on Sunday afternoon. Ranked 14th nationally, the Sooners improved their perfect record to 12-0, matching their best start since the 2015-16 season when they made it to the Final Four.
The game started off competitively, but the Sooners settled their nerves quickly and took control early on. They never trailed during the game, showcasing their determination and skill, pulling away decisively with strong performance from both their starters and bench players.
Duke Miles was the standout star of the match, scoring 29 points on 11 of 17 shooting. His precision from the three-point line was notable, as he connected on four of eight attempts. The rest of the team contributed significantly as well, particularly freshman sensation Jeremiah Fears, who managed 19 points and led the team with five assists, facilitating effective ball movement and fast-break opportunities.
Despite the Bears making attempts to stay close, including Layne Taylor, who led their team with 16 points, the gap widened significantly. Central Arkansas struggled against the powers of the Sooners, especially in the second half when Oklahoma’s intensity ramped up. At one point, Oklahoma led by as many as 28 points, breaking the game open during the second half with strong offensive bursts, particularly during a 10-0 run largely fueled by Miles.
Head coach Porter Moser praised his team’s performance and sharpened offensive execution following the game. "Oklahoma never trailed in the game and pulled away in the second half, leading by as many as 28 points,” noted Field Level Media. The Sooners took advantage of their size and versatility, which allowed them both to dominate inside and stretch the floor with three-point shooting.
The offensive display was indicative of their preparation and overall strategy, as they have been focusing on maintaining their momentum with efficient offensive plays and solid defense. The Sooners shot 48.5 percent overall from the field and 34.5 percent from beyond the arc. Their ability to convert plays led to a collectively strong second-half performance, where they outscored Central Arkansas significantly.
Central Arkansas managed to battle against adversity, playing without five of their players due to injury, demonstrating resilience throughout the 40 minutes. Although they fought valiantly, they ran out of gas as they were overrun by the Sooners' relentless pace and skill. The Bears showed determination against one of the higher-tier programs, marking their fifth Power 4 opponent this season.
Going forward, the Sooners will conclude their nonconference schedule at home against Prairie View A&M before they transition to Southeastern Conference play at Alabama on January 4. This matchup will serve as another opportunity for the Sooners to showcase their continued development and aim for their ultimate goal, which remains high with the ambitions of advancing deep this season.
Clearly, the Oklahoma Sooners are on the right track, demonstrating not just their talent on the floor but also their organizational support and solid coaching. With momentum building, fans can look forward to the season with renewed hope and excitement for what lies ahead.
