Texas A&M defeats the Oklahoma Sooners 75-68, handing them another tough loss and further deepening their struggles in SEC play.
The Oklahoma Sooners’ hopes of turning their season around took another blow in College Station, Texas, as they fell to Texas A&M 75-68. This loss dropped the Sooners to 2-6 in SEC play, further complicating their path to postseason contention. For the Sooners, it was another disappointing performance on the road, where they have struggled all season long. The loss underscored several key issues that have plagued Oklahoma throughout the 2024 campaign: inconsistent offensive execution, defensive lapses, and a lack of leadership during critical moments.
This article will take a closer look at the game, analyze what went wrong for Oklahoma, and explore the broader context of their struggles in SEC play. Additionally, it will address potential areas for improvement and discuss what the Sooners need to do to salvage their season.
A Hard-Fought Game with Early Setbacks
The game started with high intensity from both teams, but it quickly became clear that Texas A&M was the more prepared and focused squad. Despite a relatively close first half, where Oklahoma found themselves trailing by just five points (35-30) at the break, the Sooners were unable to capitalize on key moments. Texas A&M’s defense, led by their perimeter pressure and aggressive rebounding, stifled Oklahoma’s offense, which struggled to get into a consistent rhythm.
Texas A&M’s guard play was exceptional, with players like Wade Taylor IV and Tyrece Radford contributing heavily both offensively and defensively. Taylor, who finished with 18 points and 6 assists, was especially effective at breaking down Oklahoma’s defense with his ability to drive to the basket and create open shots for his teammates. Radford, who added 15 points, provided valuable scoring and leadership, particularly when the game was in the balance.
For Oklahoma, despite the best efforts of Grant Sherfield, who finished with 20 points, the Sooners were unable to solve Texas A&M’s defensive schemes. Sherfield, who had been the team’s primary offensive weapon, faced a high level of defensive attention throughout the game, limiting his ability to facilitate offense and create shots for others. Jalen Hill, another key contributor, had a solid game with 14 points but was also hampered by Texas A&M’s physical defense. As a team, Oklahoma struggled with ball movement, making it difficult to generate high-quality shots. The Sooners shot just 42% from the field and a disappointing 6-of-21 from three-point range, which further limited their chances to mount a comeback.
Defensive Issues Continue to Plague the Sooners
One of the primary issues for Oklahoma throughout the 2024 season has been their inability to consistently defend both the perimeter and the paint. Against Texas A&M, those defensive struggles were on full display. The Aggies were able to score 75 points, and a significant portion of their scoring came from easy baskets in the paint and uncontested three-pointers. Oklahoma’s interior defense was porous, allowing Texas A&M to score 40 points in the paint, while their perimeter defense was lackluster, as the Aggies connected on 9 of 22 three-point attempts.
Oklahoma’s defense was not only ineffective at stopping the ball but also inconsistent in defending screens and ball movement. Texas A&M’s offense is not one that relies heavily on isolation plays, but they were able to exploit Oklahoma’s defense by moving the ball quickly and forcing the Sooners into defensive rotations that they could not execute effectively. Time and again, the Sooners failed to close out on shooters, and A&M was able to knock down key threes at critical moments to extend their lead.
In addition, Oklahoma’s failure to secure defensive rebounds allowed Texas A&M to maintain possession and create additional scoring opportunities. The Aggies out-rebounded the Sooners 38-29, and their ability to generate second-chance points was pivotal in securing the win. Oklahoma’s inability to box out and grab key rebounds in a tight game showed a lack of discipline and effort, two areas that must improve if the Sooners want to become competitive in SEC play.
Offensive Inefficiencies and Missed Opportunities
While Oklahoma’s defense was far from ideal, their offense was equally problematic. The Sooners were unable to generate consistent scoring opportunities and often found themselves settling for low-percentage shots. This inefficiency was especially evident from beyond the arc, where they shot just 28.6% on the night (6-of-21). Three-point shooting has been an area of concern for Oklahoma all season, and in this game, it was particularly damaging as the Aggies were able to build and maintain their lead, despite some offensive struggles of their own.
Grant Sherfield, despite leading the team in scoring with 20 points, struggled to take control of the game when it mattered most. He hit a few key shots early on but was largely stifled by Texas A&M’s perimeter defense, which forced him into contested shots and limited his ability to drive to the basket. Sherfield has been Oklahoma’s most consistent player throughout the season, but he cannot shoulder the entire offensive burden alone. When opposing teams focus their defensive attention on him, Oklahoma needs other players to step up and contribute offensively.
Jalen Hill, who has been a steady contributor for the Sooners, had a relatively quiet game with 14 points and 4 rebounds. Hill’s ability to get to the basket and create mismatches in the post is one of Oklahoma’s strengths, but in this game, he was unable to find the same level of success against Texas A&M’s defense. Oklahoma’s inability to run plays effectively through Hill in the low post limited their offensive diversity and led to a stagnant attack.
Moreover, the Sooners’ ball movement was inefficient, with several possessions ending in rushed, off-balance shots. Oklahoma failed to establish an offensive flow, resulting in far too many contested shots and turnovers. They finished with 12 turnovers on the night, many of which came during critical moments when they were attempting to mount a comeback. These turnovers were costly, as they allowed Texas A&M to get out in transition and score easy points, further demoralizing the Sooners’ efforts.
Texas A&M’s Resilience and Key Performances
On the other hand, Texas A&M showcased the resilience and cohesion that have become hallmarks of their successful season. Despite a brief stretch in the second half where Oklahoma cut the lead to a single digit, the Aggies never let the Sooners fully back into the game. Texas A&M’s ability to stay composed and execute down the stretch was a testament to their poise and maturity, qualities that have made them one of the more dangerous teams in the SEC.
Wade Taylor IV, the Aggies’ standout point guard, was instrumental in keeping his team on track. His 18 points and 6 assists demonstrated his ability to control the tempo of the game and make plays for both himself and his teammates. Taylor’s ability to break down the defense and drive into the paint was a key factor in Texas A&M’s success, as he forced Oklahoma to collapse on him, opening up opportunities for other players.
Tyrece Radford, another key contributor for Texas A&M, provided valuable scoring and leadership throughout the game. His 15 points, including several clutch baskets in the second half, helped keep the Sooners at bay when they tried to mount a comeback. Radford’s physicality and experience were crucial in guarding Oklahoma’s perimeter players and creating offensive opportunities for his team.
Additionally, Texas A&M’s depth played a significant role in the win. Bench players like Julius Marble and Dexter Dennis provided solid minutes, contributing with key rebounds and efficient scoring. Marble, in particular, was effective in the post, contributing 8 points and 6 rebounds, while Dennis played solid defense and hit a couple of key shots to help maintain A&M’s lead. The Aggies’ depth allowed them to rotate fresh legs into the game, which ultimately wore down Oklahoma over the course of 40 minutes.
Oklahoma’s Road Woes and Their Growing Challenges in SEC Play
The loss to Texas A&M continued a troubling trend for Oklahoma on the road this season. The Sooners have struggled to perform away from Norman, a fact that has contributed to their inability to gain momentum in SEC play. While the Sooners have had success in non-conference games, their road woes have plagued them in the more competitive SEC. As a result, their record in the conference has fallen to 2-6, and with the SEC schedule becoming increasingly difficult, the Sooners are running out of time to right the ship.
Oklahoma’s struggles in SEC play have been multifaceted. The team has struggled with consistency in both offense and defense, and there has been a noticeable lack of leadership at key moments. When facing top-tier teams like Texas A&M, the Sooners’ weaknesses have been exposed—particularly their inability to defend efficiently and execute offensively when the game is on the line. As the losses pile up, the pressure continues to mount, and Oklahoma’s postseason hopes are hanging by a thread.
What Needs to Change for Oklahoma Moving Forward?
For the Sooners to salvage their season, several key areas need to improve:
- Offensive Efficiency: Oklahoma must find a way to generate more consistent offense. Grant Sherfield cannot do it all on his own, and players like Jalen Hill, Bijan Cortes, and others need to step up. The team’s ball movement must be crisper, and they need to take better shots rather than settling for contested looks.
- Defensive Improvement: The Sooners’ defense has been a liability all season, and it showed again against Texas A&M. Oklahoma must improve their defense both in the paint and on the perimeter. Defensive rebounds are also crucial, as the Sooners cannot afford to give up second-chance points.
- Road Mentality: Oklahoma’s struggles on the road have been a key issue in SEC play. They need to develop a more resilient mindset when playing away from home. That includes staying focused, executing plays more effectively, and handling adversity better when the game gets tough.
- Leadership and Poise: Oklahoma needs stronger leadership on the floor, especially in tight situations. Grant Sherfield has been the team’s leader, but he can’t carry the load alone. Others need to step up and take charge when needed.
The Road Ahead for Oklahoma
The loss to Texas A&M has placed the Oklahoma Sooners in a precarious position within the SEC standings. With a 2-6 conference record, they now face a difficult road ahead if they hope to make a run at an NCAA Tournament berth. To have any chance of turning their season around, the Sooners must address their offensive inefficiencies, defensive lapses, and struggles on the road. With tough SEC opponents still on the schedule, Oklahoma cannot afford any more slip-ups if they hope to compete for a postseason spot. The time for change is now, and the Sooners will need to make a collective effort to adjust if they want to salvage what remains of their season.
