The Oklahoma Sooners men’s basketball team is gearing up for its NCAA Tournament appearance, which marks their first time back since 2021. Announced on Sunday, March 16, 2025, the Sooners earned the No. 9 seed in the West Region and will face the eighth-seeded UConn Huskies on March 21, 2025, at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, starting at 9:25 PM ET. The game will be broadcast live on TNT.
With this tournament, the Sooners are making their 34th NCAA Tournament appearance, boasting a record of 42-33. This year’s selection is particularly significant for Oklahoma, as it showcases head coach Porter Moser's first opportunity to lead the team in March Madness after joining from Loyola Chicago, where he previously achieved remarkable success including leading the program to the Final Four.
Moser has compiled a 6-2 NCAA Tournament record, giving him the fourth-best winning percentage among all Division I head coaches this season. His leadership is especially promising as he brings experience from his previous tenure where he established Loyola Chicago as one of the premier programs. Now guiding the Sooners, Moser aims to replicate this success.
Oklahoma enters the tournament with an overall record of 20-13 and finished with notable victories against high-profile teams such as Arizona and Louisville. Senior forward Jalon Moore and freshman guard Jeremiah Fears are expected to lead the team against UConn, with both players achieving 29 double-digit scoring appearances this season. Fears is particularly noteworthy, maintaining impressive averages of 22.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists over the last eight games. He has emerged as one of the standout players, featuring among only three Power Four conference players to average at least 17.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists during the season.
The upcoming matchup against UConn is set to be intense, as both teams have much at stake. Oklahoma holds the upper hand historically, with the Sooners leading the all-time series against UConn 3-1. This rivalry has roots dating back to the early 2000s, with the two teams having faced off four consecutive seasons from 2001 to 2004. UConn managed to clinch one victory during this stretch, but the Sooners have been victorious overall.
UConn, entering the tournament with a 23-10 record, looks to defend its status, having won back-to-back national championships under coach Dan Hurley. This year marks their fifth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance and they aim to secure another title, with hopes to extend their championship reign. Despite falling short against Creighton in the semifinals of the Big East Tournament, UConn successfully earned its spot through solid performances throughout the season, including major wins over teams like Baylor and Gonzaga.
Both teams face high expectations and pressure, especially within the competitive nature of the NCAA Tournament. UConn’s players are aware of the stakes; as captain Alex Karaban noted, “It’s always exciting... just super exciting, and we can’t wait to prepare.”
If the Sooners manage to come away with the win against the Huskies, they will move on to face the winner of the match between No. 1 Florida and No. 16 Norfolk State, which provides both teams with the opportunity to continue advancing through the tournament. Florida has been labeled as one of the strongest contenders for the title this year.
Oklahoma’s road to the NCAA Tournament was solidified after their performance in the SEC Tournament, which showcased their resolve and determination to compete with higher-ranked opponents. Their last game, where they narrowly lost to Kentucky 85-84, was particularly emblematic of the fight they plan to bring to Raleigh as they meet UConn.
On the ticketing front, availability for the contest is high, with options for purchase available through various outlets for those eager to support the Sooners. A limited number of tickets will be allocated for presale to season ticket holders, with any remaining tickets hitting public sale shortly thereafter.
The day is fast approaching for both teams and fans alike, and anticipation is mounting. With everything on the line, each game pushes teams closer to achieving their ultimate goal: the national championship.
This first-round matchup between Oklahoma and UConn promises to be another electrifying encounter within the rich history of March Madness, as teams battle not just for glory, but for the chance of progressing toward the ultimate prize.
