Oklahoma

Keys to the Game and Scouting Look: Texas

Published

1 year ago

March 7, 2025

Press Room

Keys to the Game and Scouting Look: Texas

Saturday at 7:00 PM on SEC Network, Porter Moser will coach the biggest game of his Oklahoma career to date.

After a crucial 96-84 victory over No. 15 Missouri, led by Jeremiah Fears’ career-high 31 points, the Sooners (18-12, 5-12) still have work to do. That work? Securing a win in Austin against Texas — something Moser has never done in his four-year tenure at Oklahoma.

This game is not just a rivalry clash; it features two head coaches fighting for their jobs, two bubble teams both in desperate need of a win, and two lottery picks in Fears vs. Texas’ leading scorer, Tre Johnson. Plus, there’s the added factor of Moser being winless in the Red River Rivalry.

If the Sooners can pull off the win, their tournament chances will be in a strong position heading into conference tournament week. If they lose, they’ll need to win two games in Nashville next week, a tall order.

Take a look at Rodney Terry’s Longhorns, who are coming off an overtime victory over Mississippi State (87-82), which kept their tournament hopes alive, and what Oklahoma must do to secure the biggest win of the season.

Scouting Texas

Last time these two teams faced, Texas won 77-73. They outscored Oklahoma 43-27 in the first half, but the Sooners outscored them 46-34 in the second half. Unfortunatley for Oklahoma, the 29 points from Jalon Moore, 20 from Fears, and the spark provided by Dayton Forsythe wasnt enough to overcome the deficit they put themselves in.

The Longhorns are led by their true freshman star Johnson, who, like Fears, is projected to be a lottery pick. He averages 20.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. In their most recent game against No., 25 Mississippu Stae on the road, Johnson scored 23 points on an impressive 6-9 shooting frombehind the arc.

It was Tramon Mark who led the team in scoring, though. Mark totaled 24 points on an impressive 4-6 shooting from deep. Part of the reason Texas secured that win was because of their hot shooting ffrom downtown, 11-23 (47.8%), and Johnson and Mark accounted for 10 of those 11 makes.

On the season, Mark averages just 9.9 points and 3.6 rebounds, but Tuesday night’s game against the Bulldogs proves he can get hot. Another scorer that can get hot is Jordan Pope, who averages 10.6 points. It was Pope who led the way for Texas in Janurary when they played Oklahoma.

Pope scored 27 points on 9-17 shootiung from the field in that game, which took place on January 15th. Since then, he has scored in double figures just twice. Arthur Kaluma is another scorer to watch, he averages 12.7 points and 8.0 rebounds. Another name of note will be Kadin Shedrick, the 6’11 big who averages 8.5 points and 6.1 rebounds.

Here’s a look at where the Lonhorns rank nationally across various statistical categories.

Keys to the Game

Battle of the Freshmen: Fears vs. Johnson

It’s pretty simple: Oklahoma goes as Fears goes. And fortunately for the Sooners, he’s been going strong lately. Over his last five games, Fears has averaged 22.2 points, six assists, and 5.4 rebounds while shooting 47.2% from the field. Four of those games have come against top-25 opponents.

He’s been scoring at a high level, but just as important, he’s managed the game exceptionally well, which is something Oklahoma will need on Saturday. On Wednesday night, he committed just one turnover, and the Sooners had only nine as a team. If he can control the game as effectively as he did then, it’ll go a long way in helping Oklahoma navigate this road test.

Both teams rely heavily on their true freshman, future lottery picks, and the battle between Fears and Johnson will be a must-watch. It could be the deciding factor in who comes out on top.

Find Production in the Frontcourt

Without Sam Godwin, who went down with a knee injury in the first half against Missouri, the Sooners will need a few players to step up in the frontcourt. That starts with Mohamed Wague, who totaled 12 points and five rebounds in a season-high 18 minutes on Wednesday night. He shot 4-for-4 from the field and 4-for-4 from the free-throw line.

It’s not just Wague — Oklahoma will also need Luke Northweather to step up. He hit a big step-back three-pointer against Missouri but hasn’t played double-digit minutes since February 8. The Sooners could use the production they got from him in the non-conference slate.

Beyond those two, expect to see a small-ball look with Jalon Moore at the five and Glenn Taylor Jr. at the four, which should lead to increased minutes for Taylor. The Sooners will need Wague, who averages over eight fouls per 40 minutes, and Moore, likely their two primary options at center, to stay out of foul trouble.

Continued Success From Deep

The Sooners have been red-hot from deep, shooting 38-for-90 (42.2%) over their last four games. A key contributor to that surge has been Kobe Elvis, who is averaging 8.5 points during that stretch. After a rough spell, he has started to find his rhythm off the bench.

Elvis has been especially sharp from behind the arc, hitting 9 of his last 14 attempts (64.2%). Pair that with Brycen Goodine — one of the best shooters in the SEC — and the Sooners have two guards in great form from deep, along with several others.

For Oklahoma, maintaining this recent three-point success will be crucial. Knocking down shots from deep is a great way to build a lead on the road and quiet the opposing crowd. If players like Elvis and Goodine stay hot, the Sooners have a strong chance of keeping their shooting momentum going.

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Oklahoma

Oklahoma Highway Patrol enters ’37 patrol car in national contest

Published

3 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

13 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

23 hours 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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