Sooners End Nine-Game Skid with Victory Over No. 15 Vanderbilt
The Oklahoma Sooners ended their nine-game losing streak with a dramatic victory over the No. 15 Vanderbilt Commodores, winning 92-91 in Nashville. This marked their first win since January 3. The Sooners were facing pressure, as a loss would have equaled a program record for the longest losing streak at ten games.
Game Highlights
Oklahoma took control early, holding a 14-point lead at halftime. The team finished the game with a 12-12 overall record and a 2-9 mark in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play. Vanderbilt now stands at 19-4 with a 6-4 conference record.
Key Performers
- Tae Davis: The forward started strong, scoring 14 points in the first eight minutes on 5-of-5 shooting. His early performance helped Oklahoma establish a 24-10 lead.
- Xzayvier Brown: The guard led all scorers with 20 points, shooting 8-of-12 from the field.
- Nijel Pack: Contributed significantly with 17 points and three three-pointers.
- Bench Contributions: Guards Dayton Forsythe and Jadon Jones combined for 20 points, each making two three-pointers.
In total, Oklahoma shot 53% from the field and 43% on three-pointers. Despite their strong performance, they faced a late surge from Vanderbilt.
Vanderbilt’s Late Rally
Vanderbilt staged a comeback in the final minutes, narrowing the gap from a 19-point deficit to just three points with 28 seconds remaining. Tyler Tanner’s three-pointer made it a two-point game with five seconds left. Brown secured the win by making two free throws after drawing a foul during the inbounds.
Impact of the Win
This victory is significant for the Sooners. It counts as a “Quad 1” win against a ranked opponent, vital for NCAA Tournament considerations. While Oklahoma improved their SEC standings, they still need to focus on upcoming challenges.
The Sooners will have a week off before hosting Georgia next Saturday. The question now is whether they can maintain this momentum moving forward.
