Oklahoma

Report Card: Late run not enough, Oklahoma falls 77-73 to Texas

Published

1 year ago

January 16, 2025

Report Card: Late run not enough, Oklahoma falls 77-73 to Texas

The Sooners showed remarkable fight, clawing back from a 23-point deficit in the second half to cut the game to just two points at one stage. Unfortunately, their late surge couldn’t erase the damage done in a disastrous first half.

In what was a must-win game for Oklahoma, they ultimately fell short, losing 77-73 to Texas. Jalon Moore led the charge in the comeback effort with an incredible second half, scoring 26 of his 29 points after the break. However, the loss drops Oklahoma to 13-4 (0-4 SEC) on the season, a troubling position for a team with postseason aspirations.

The biggest obstacle for the Sooners as they chipped away at the lead was Texas’ Jordan Pope. He poured in 27 points, 19 of which came in the second half, never allowing Oklahoma to complete the comeback.

Here’s a look at the Report Card from Oklahoma’s fourth straight SEC loss:

First Half: F-minus

At halftime, the Sooners trailed 43-27 after a first half so poor that even their remarkable second-half resurgence — where they shot an impressive 70% from the field — wasn’t enough to climb all the way back.

Oklahoma’s first-half struggles were glaring. They shot just 11-29 (37.9%) from the field and a dismal 1-8 (12.5%) from beyond the arc while turning the ball over eight times. Adding to their woes, they went a troubling 8-18 on layup attempts, missing numerous close-range opportunities.

In the SEC, the math is simple: if you turn the ball over eight times in one half and shoot 12.5% from deep, you’re not beating anybody. Oklahoma learned that the hard way.

Second Half: B-plus

Oklahoma’s performance over 16 minutes in the second half was nothing short of remarkable. They shot a scorching 14-20 (70.0%) from the field and 4-8 (50.0%) from behind the arc, nearly completing an improbable comeback.

Moore led the charge with a second-half masterpiece, scoring 26 points on a flawless 8-8 shooting from the field, 3-3 from deep, and 7-7 at the free-throw line. Yet, even with Moore’s brilliance, it wasn’t enough to secure a win.

The second-half rally’s downfall? Turnovers. Much like the Texas A&M game, Oklahoma’s inability to take care of the ball derailed their comeback. Late-game turnovers from Jeremiah Fears and Duke Miles sealed the Sooners’ fate, leaving them unable to capitalize on their second-half momentum.

Starting Five: C-plus

Starting with the positives: Moore delivered another standout performance, finishing with 29 points and eight rebounds while shooting 9-13 from the field, 3-5 from behind the arc, and 8-9 at the free-throw line. Fears contributed 20 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals, but also had six turnovers. He shot 7-13 from the field, 1-3 from deep, and 5-8 from the charity stripe.

Porter Moser experimented with a new starting lineup, inserting Brycen Goodine into the first group. Goodine played 30 minutes but struggled offensively, recording just 2 points and three rebounds on 1-6 shooting from the field and 0-3 from three-point range.

Two other starters, Miles and Sam Godwin, saw limited action in the second half, playing five and six minutes, respectively. Miles scored 4 points with six turnovers on 2-2 shooting and finished with a -22 plus-minus. Godwin managed just 1 point and two rebounds, posting a team-worst -25 plus-minus.

This starting five failed to generate strong starts in either half. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Moser experiment with another new lineup when the Sooners face South Carolina on Saturday.

Bench: B-minus

The player dragging the bench grade down is Kobe Elvis, who, in his first game off the bench this season, scored 7 points on 3-6 shooting (1-3 from three) in just 13 minutes. Elvis saw limited action in the second half, logging only three minutes.

Dayton Forsythe and Glenn Taylor were instrumental in sparking Oklahoma’s 17-3 run. Forsythe, who played all 10 of his minutes in the second half, didn’t score or attempt a shot but contributed one assist, one rebound, and had a team-high plus-minus of +14.

Taylor provided 7 points, four steals, and three assists in 24 minutes, shooting 2-6 from the field and 0-2 from beyond the arc. His energy on both ends was crucial during the run.

Mohamed Wague, Oklahoma’s best option at the five, played 17 minutes before fouling out. He finished with 3 points, seven rebounds, and a block on 1-2 shooting.

The bench provided a much-needed spark for Oklahoma, and players like Forsythe, Taylor, and Wague have made a strong case for increased playing time moving forward.

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Oklahoma

Oklahoma Highway Patrol enters ’37 patrol car in national contest

Published

5 hours ago

June 29, 2026

Press Room

Oklahoma Highway Patrol enters ’37 patrol car in national contest

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is competing once again in the American Association of State Troopers’ Best Looking Cruiser Contest, this time showcasing the agency’s history alongside its modern fleet.

The entry features OHP’s restored 1937 Ford patrol car paired with a current Chevrolet Tahoe, highlighting nearly nine decades of the agency’s patrol vehicle tradition.

OHP highlights historic patrol car

According to OHP, the contest entry celebrates the agency’s original 1937 Ford patrol car and its connection to the modern Chevrolet Tahoe used by troopers today.

The agency says the iconic black-and-white “dovetail” paint scheme debuted on the 1937 Ford, with the white paint wrapping over the rear wheel wells. OHP says that design became the foundation for the look that continues to represent the agency today.

How voting works

The Best Looking Cruiser Contest is decided by public vote here.

OHP says each device is allowed one vote, and every vote is important as the agency competes against perennial favorites for a chance to earn a spot in the 2027 American Association of State Troopers calendar.

Looking to improve on last year

Oklahoma finished eighth in the nation in last year’s Best Looking Cruiser Contest.

The agency is hoping this year’s entry featuring both its historic 1937 Ford and modern Chevrolet Tahoe will help improve its finish and secure a place in the 2027 calendar.

“As Route 66 celebrates its 100th birthday, we wanted to honor the most iconic highway in America and the Oklahoma Troopers who have patrolled it for generations,” OHP said. “Since 1937, Oklahoma Highway Patrol Troopers have traveled its pavement, assisted stranded motorists, investigated crashes, enforced traffic laws, and answered calls for service along the Mother Road. Route 66 isn’t just a historic highway to us—it’s part of our history.”

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Oklahoma

Oklahoma Ford Sports Blitz: June 28, 2026

Published

15 hours ago

June 29, 2026

Press Room

Oklahoma Ford Sports Blitz: June 28, 2026

In this week’s Your Vote Counts, Oklahoma’s Own Scott Mitchell leads Jason Dunnington and Sen. Paul Rosino in a discussion about new Oklahoma laws, including those addressing data centers. Other topics include inflation and the ongoing impact of the war in Iran.

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Oklahoma

Where to find July 4th fireworks, festivals, and family fun in Oklahoma

Published

1 day ago

June 28, 2026

Press Room

Where to find July 4th fireworks, festivals, and family fun in Oklahoma

Looking for the perfect spot to celebrate Independence Day in Oklahoma this year? From massive fireworks displays over Grand Lake to food truck festivals and live music across the OKC metro, communities are pulling out all the stops to celebrate the Declaration of Independence. Grab your lawn chairs, round up the family, and get ready for an unforgettable week of summer fun. Here is your ultimate guide to the best Fourth of July events happening right in your backyard!

Key takeaways

The bigger picture: Oklahoma communities are going all out for Independence Day in 2026, with celebrations spanning from Norman’s four-day Fourth Fest to major fireworks displays in Edmond, Tulsa, and on Grand Lake — giving families across the state plenty of options close to home.
More details: Highlights include Liberty Fest in Edmond, one of the largest fireworks displays in the metro area, the Duck Creek Fireworks on Grand Lake featuring a War Bird flyover tribute synchronized to patriotic music, and Tribute to Liberty in Midwest City, which combines live music, a laser show, and fireworks in honor of the Declaration of Independence’s 250th anniversary.
Why this matters: This year’s celebrations carry extra weight as part of America’s semiquincentennial, with several events — including Tribute to Liberty and the Duck Creek Fireworks — built around honoring both the nation’s founding and the service members who’ve defended it.

Date: 9:45 p.m. July 1-4
Location: Reaves Park; 2501 S Jenkins Ave., Norman

This year’s Fourth Fest is bigger than ever before, spanning four days. The city has added additional programming across multiple parks. Before the fireworks, enjoy a wide range of attractions including bouncy houses, local vendors, food trucks, pony rides, and a petting zoo. The fireworks show begins at 9:45 p.m. on July 4.

Date: 8:30 p.m. July 3
Location: Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St., Oklahoma City

OKCPHIL’s Red, White, and Boom concert is a high-energy celebration that brings the community together for an unforgettable summer evening of music. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic performs a vibrant program of American classics, fan favorites, and patriotic anthems.

Date: 6-10 p.m. July 3
Location: Boomer Lake Park; 2310 E Lakeview Road, Stillwater

This Independence Day celebration will include area vendors, food trucks, hometown hospitality, and a fireworks show. Free parking will be available at Stillwater High School’s Pioneer Stadium.

Date: July 3-4
Location: Yukon City Park & Chisholm Trail Park, 2200 S Holly Ave., Yukon

Bring the whole family to Freedom Fest in Yukon! Experience a lineup of live outdoor concerts, peruse the food trucks on site, and enjoy the activities for kids.

Date: 2-10 p.m. July 4
Location: Buck Thomas Park, 1903 NE 12th St., Moore

Enjoy one of the largest fireworks shows in the state with food trucks, vendors, and activities throughout the day. Admission is free. Fireworks will begin around 9:45 p.m.

Date: 7-10 p.m. July 4
Location: Joe B. Barnes Regional Park, 8700 E Reno Ave., Midwest City

Bring your chairs and join Midwest City in its celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Enjoy food trucks, games, The Wise Guys performing live on stage, a huge fireworks display, and a laser show.

Date: 9:30 p.m. July 4
Location: University of Central Oklahoma; 100 N University Drive, Edmond

Liberty Fest’s grand finale is one of the largest fireworks displays in the metro area. Bring your entire family to witness the spectacular show. Parking is available in lots on campus.

Date: July 4
Location: Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, 32888 S 4507 Road, No. 8123, Afton

Duck Creek Fireworks is the longest-running tradition on Grand Lake. Keep an eye out for the highly anticipated War Bird flyover, a tribute to the men and women serving overseas. The fireworks, beginning at sunset, will be synchronized to patriotic music.

Date: July 4
Location: River West Festival Park, 2100 S Jackson Ave., Tulsa

Celebrate America’s independence at Tulsa’s annual FreedomFest celebration. This celebration includes all-ages entertainment and a variety of activities and tasty concessions. FreedomFest features one of the largest free fireworks displays in Oklahoma.

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