OU Basketball: Despite a Slow Start, No. 16 Oklahoma Overcomes to Win Missouri
In the world of college basketball, comebacks are often more than just thrilling—they can be the defining moments that separate championship-caliber teams from those merely looking to contend. For the No. 16 Oklahoma Sooners, their victory over Missouri showcased all the hallmarks of a team that can endure adversity, adjust on the fly, and come out on top when it matters most. Despite a sluggish start and some early-game struggles, the Sooners turned the tide, eventually defeating Missouri in a game that highlighted the team’s resilience, depth, and coaching under Porter Moser.
This matchup, while part of a grueling stretch in the Big 12 Conference, was emblematic of what Oklahoma basketball can do when it puts everything together. With big plays coming from unexpected sources, key adjustments on both ends of the floor, and a renewed focus, the Sooners battled through adversity to secure an important win. Let’s break down the factors that played a pivotal role in the victory, as well as the lessons Oklahoma will take with them into the rest of the season.
A Rocky Start: Early Struggles for the Sooners
From the opening tip-off, the Sooners were far from their best. Missouri came out of the gates hot, pushing the pace and attacking the basket with aggressive defense and quick ball movement. The Sooners, conversely, seemed to be out of sync on both ends of the court. Early turnovers, poor shot selection, and a lack of defensive intensity allowed the Tigers to build a significant lead.
At the 10-minute mark of the first half, Missouri had jumped out to a 12-point lead, with the Sooners struggling to keep up. Oklahoma’s defense, typically their strong suit under Moser, was slow to adjust to Missouri’s fast break and sharp perimeter shooting. The Tigers were getting easy looks, and Oklahoma’s offense was bogged down in isolation plays and forced three-pointers that weren’t falling.
In particular, Oklahoma’s shooting guard, Grant Sherfield, who has been one of the most consistent players for the Sooners this season, was struggling early on. Sherfield, known for his ability to drive to the basket and create offense, had difficulty navigating Missouri’s defense and was off with his jump shot. Other key players, like Jalen Hill and Tanner Groves, also found themselves fighting through tough defensive pressure, failing to get clean looks at the basket.
Oklahoma’s offense was stagnant, and their defense couldn’t keep up with Missouri’s fast pace. The Tigers were getting second-chance points, easy layups, and uncontested threes, and for a moment, it looked like the Sooners were in serious danger of getting blown out on the road.
Adjustments: Porter Moser’s Tactical Mastery
Despite the early adversity, one of the defining qualities of Porter Moser’s coaching has been his ability to adjust. As the first half wore on, Oklahoma began to find a groove thanks to some key tactical adjustments from Moser. The Sooners slowly started tightening up their defense and worked to establish a more balanced offensive attack.
Moser’s Defensive Adjustments: The Sooners began to apply more full-court pressure, pushing Missouri to take more difficult shots and forcing turnovers. Moser also switched to a more aggressive man-to-man defense, denying Missouri easy passes into the paint. This disrupted the Tigers’ fast-paced attack and slowed the game down just enough for Oklahoma to regain control.
Jalen Hill, a senior forward and one of Oklahoma’s most versatile defenders, was pivotal in disrupting Missouri’s rhythm. Hill’s defensive effort, especially on the boards, helped Oklahoma secure key rebounds and prevent second-chance opportunities. Additionally, Oklahoma’s perimeter defense started to tighten up, closing out on Missouri shooters and forcing them into contested shots. This defensive adjustment allowed Oklahoma to start chipping away at the lead.
Offensive Adjustments: On the offensive side, the Sooners worked to shift their focus away from the three-point line and attack the basket more aggressively. Early in the game, Oklahoma had settled for outside shots that were not falling, but as they adjusted, they began to work the ball into the paint and get high-percentage looks. This change in strategy allowed the Sooners to chip away at the deficit and gradually get back into the game.
Key players like Sherfield and Hill started finding more success attacking the rim, drawing fouls, and getting to the free-throw line. This shift also created more opportunities for Tanner Groves in the post, where he could use his size and finesse to exploit Missouri’s interior defense.
By halftime, Oklahoma had reduced the lead and were within striking distance, a testament to Moser’s coaching adjustments and the team’s ability to stay composed under pressure.
The Second Half: Oklahoma’s Resilience Shines Through
Coming out of halftime, it was clear that the Sooners had completely recalibrated. Oklahoma started the second half with a more balanced attack, combining stifling defense with efficient offense. The combination of Sherfield’s leadership, Hill’s hustle, and Groves’ scoring presence allowed the Sooners to start asserting themselves.
The Sooners’ defense was particularly impressive in the second half, as they continued to frustrate Missouri’s offense. Oklahoma’s guards started getting more active in passing lanes, leading to steals and easy transition buckets. Meanwhile, Hill’s energy on both ends of the floor became contagious, and the Sooners were feeding off his intensity. He was everywhere—blocking shots, grabbing key rebounds, and hitting timely mid-range jumpers.
Oklahoma’s offense also found a rhythm. Grant Sherfield was able to break down Missouri’s defense, using his quickness and playmaking ability to create easy baskets for himself and his teammates. His ability to get into the paint and either finish at the rim or draw fouls was a significant turning point in the game. Sherfield finished with a team-high 21 points, including 10 crucial points in the second half, helping Oklahoma take the lead for the first time.
The Sooners’ ball movement was another key to their second-half resurgence. They started moving the ball quickly around the perimeter and into the post, finding open teammates for high-quality shots. This unselfishness on offense kept Missouri on their heels and prevented the Tigers from building any momentum.
With around five minutes left in the game, Oklahoma had taken a commanding lead, fueled by strong contributions from Sherfield, Hill, and Groves. The Sooners’ defense, which had struggled in the first half, was now completely locked in. Missouri was unable to create any significant scoring opportunities, and Oklahoma took control of the game.
In the final minutes, the Sooners showed poise and composure, hitting free throws and playing solid defense to seal the victory. By the time the final buzzer sounded, Oklahoma had overcome a 12-point deficit to win 72-60.
Key Takeaways: What Oklahoma Can Build Upon
This victory over Missouri was a textbook example of how a team can recover from adversity, particularly with strong leadership, coaching, and team effort. Here are some of the key takeaways for the Sooners as they move forward in the season:
- Resilience is Key: Oklahoma’s ability to fight through a tough first half and stay focused on their game plan was impressive. This win serves as proof that, even in the face of adversity, the Sooners have the mental toughness to overcome obstacles and win games in tough environments.
- Adjustments Matter: The game also demonstrated the importance of coaching adjustments. Porter Moser was able to identify the weaknesses in Oklahoma’s defense and offense and made the necessary changes to get his team back in the game. His ability to make tactical shifts on the fly, especially on defense, proved to be the difference in this game.
- Sherfield is the Floor General: Grant Sherfield’s ability to control the pace of the game, especially in the second half, was critical to the victory. His leadership and scoring were essential for Oklahoma to mount their comeback. He has the potential to be one of the top players in the Big 12, and Oklahoma will need him to continue playing at a high level to compete in upcoming matchups.
- Balanced Scoring is Key: While Sherfield was the standout player, Jalen Hill and Tanner Groves also made significant contributions, particularly on defense and in the post. Oklahoma’s depth was on full display, and this balanced scoring attack is what will make the Sooners a tough matchup for any team in the conference.
- Defensive Intensity: The defense that Oklahoma displayed in the second half was a reflection of the team’s potential to be elite on that end of the floor. The Sooners’ ability to lock down Missouri’s offense and force turnovers will be a major asset as they head into tougher games, especially in the heart of Big 12 play.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Oklahoma?
After this important victory, Oklahoma will need to build upon this momentum. The Sooners’ ability to come back from an early deficit shows they have the resilience and adaptability necessary to be successful in the competitive Big 12. With Sherfield continuing to lead, and the defense finding its rhythm, Oklahoma is positioned well for a strong finish to the season.
As they look ahead to their next few games, the Sooners will face even tougher challenges. They’ll need to remain consistent in their defensive effort, continue to share the ball on offense,
and rely on their veteran players to lead the charge.
Ultimately, this win over Missouri will be remembered as one of the pivotal moments of the season—a victory that proved Oklahoma basketball is built for the grind, no matter the obstacles in their way.
