Oklahoma
3 Takeaways from No. 15 Mizzou’s Loss at Oklahoma
The No. 15-ranked Missouri Tigers have quickly turned from a team that looks poised to wreck some seasons in March, to one that has gone on a windy road down.
The Tigers fell 96-84 to Oklahoma Wednesday night, marking its third loss in the last four games.
The Tigers need to find their footing again to make the sort of damage they showed the capability of having earlier in the season in multiple upset wins.
The loss against Oklahoma included the continuation of multiple concerning trends. Here’s three takeaways from Missouri’s ninth loss on the year.
The code to break into the interior of the Missouri defense was relatively easy to crack for Oklahoma, who scored 48 points in the paint. Oklahoma shot 69 percent from the field in the first half, nearly 22 percent above its average of 47.1 percent.
Missouri has now allowed over 90 points per game in four of its last five games, with a home matchup against South Carolina being the only exception.
Missouri’s defense did do a solid job on the glass, limiting Oklahoma to just eight offensive rebounds while the Tiger defense grabbed 17. And Josh Gray was productive with his five minutes, grabbing five rebounds.
But the aggressiveness that was a staple of Missouri’s defensive identity early in conference play has dissipated. At some points, it seemed like Oklahoma could get what it wanted on the inside without much of a challenge.
After allowing a 10-3 run early on that put Missouri down 14-6 at the 14:47 mark, head coach Dennis Gates looked to switch things up. But none of the lineups really found a consistent seal defensively, with Gates rolling out 13 different players.
Defense certainly hasn’t been the strong suit for Missouri all season. But it’s become especially concerning over this final stretch.
Against the three SEC teams Missouri had to play twice this season (Arkansas, Vanderbilt, Oklahoma), the Tigers won all three by an average of 17 points, with all three of those first matchups coming at Mizzou Arena.
But, when Missouri had to face off against those teams on the road, it’s been a different story.
The Tigers have now lost all three of those rematches by an average margin of defeat of 6.3 points.
“I think the second matchup is just is all preparation, teams get a feel each other” Gates said of what matters in a rematch during a press conference Tuesday. “Teams obviously gets a sort of reinvigoration of redemption. But the most important thing is that when I look at our conference, it’s about what you do before the game. Are you recovering how you need to recover from the standpoint of the emotional and mental toll that the season can put on your players?”
There’s the confounding variable to consider with this situation with all three of the second matches come on the road, which also hasn’t been Missouri’s strong suit this year. But the inability to win in any rematches is a possible red flag that shouldn’t be dismissed heading into the SEC Tournament.
A crucial point of Missouri’s identity this season has been its ability to get to the free-throw line more often than its opponents. It averages 7.8 more free-throw attempts per game than its opponents, the most in the SEC. Missouri’s opponents on average take 19.4 free-throw attempts per game.
Recent games though have been above both of those averages.
Wednesday night though, Oklahoma closed that gap and took 26 free-throw attempts compared to Missouri’s 24. The Tigers made 19 of those attempts and the Sooners 25 of theirs.
This, again, has been a trend headed in the right direction for Missouri. Vanderbilt took 24 attempts and Arkansas a staggering 37 to Missouri’s 17.
Less than three weeks ago, Missouri’s ability to use the free-throw discrepancy to its advantadge was on full display in a win over No. 4 Alabama — Missouri took 47 attempts from the free-throw line while Alabama took just 21.
Gates isn’t the one blowing the whistle. Sometimes, the calls won’t bounce Missouri’s way. But the increase in opponent free-throw attempts in recent games is certainly something to watch moving forward.
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.”
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.
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.
-
Dallas, TX4 minutes agoKlyde Warren Park reveals expansion plans, construction timeline
-
Miami, FL7 minutes agoPerson hospitalized after fire breaks out at North Miami Beach apartment building
-
Boston, MA12 minutes agoScottish soccer fan who died in Boston was ‘Tartan Army to his core,’ fundraising page says – The Boston Globe
-
Denver, CO19 minutes agoNuggets decline Jalen Pickett’s team option for 2026-27 season, sources say
-
San Diego, CA22 minutes agoFormer City Manager, Jack McGrory: Straight Talk About San Diego, Part 2
-
Seattle, WA22 minutes agoArmed suspects linked to 3 Seattle robberies within 30 minutes – MyNorthwest.com
-
Milwaukee, WI34 minutes agoBrewers, Salvation Army pack hundreds of lunches for Milwaukee children through Feed the Kids program
-
Atlanta, GA37 minutes agoNew Venues in Atlanta for Summer 2026 Meetings and Events
