Oklahoma
Oklahoma riding wave of momentum into rematch with Kentucky: “We're a different team”
Two weeks ago, Otega Oweh carried Kentucky to victory against Oklahoma, his former school, scoring a career-high 28 points, 23 in the second half. Coming into tonight’s rematch in the SEC Tournament, the Sooners are surging, winning their last three games, including a 12-point victory over a ranked Missouri team, a four-point win at Texas, and last night’s 81-75 win over Georgia in the first round of the SEC Tournament.
Right now, Oklahoma is on the right side of the NCAA Tournament bubble, one of the four byes in Joe Lunardi’s latest Bracketology. A victory over Kentucky would certainly push the Sooners into safer territory, but Oklahoma coach Porter Moser is confident his team has already done enough to get into the Big Dance.
“We are a part of [the NCAA Tournament field],” Moser said in his postgame press conference. “I mean, I thought we were above the bubble going into this game.”
“For us, we want to just win and advance in this SEC Tournament, then we’re going to get after it. But we are a part of it. No question. With as many Quad 1 wins that we’ve had, with the resiliency we’ve had. People talk about us playing the best basketball down the stretch in our last six games.”
The Sooners certainly had their moments last night, hitting 10 three-pointers in the first half. Freshman Jeremiah Fears had three of them and finished with a game-high 29 points on 8-16 from the field, 4-7 from three-point range, and 9-12 from the free-throw line. Over the last seven games, Fears is averaging 21.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per contest. He had 18 points vs. Kentucky in Norman last month, second only to Jalon Moore, who had 20. Both Sooners are eager for another shot at the Cats after a chippy round one in Norman.
“I think it’s going to be a great game,” Moore said. “When we played them last time, came down to a last shot. We’re a different team when we played them, too. Tomorrow, being able to play them again and getting a W tomorrow, it’s going to be a fun and physical game.”
Moser: Loss to Kentucky was a “gut punch”
Oklahoma’s first season in the SEC has been rough. The Sooners brought a 13-0 record into conference play and were quickly humbled, losing four straight. When Kentucky went to Norman, they had just snapped a five-game losing streak with a win over Mississippi State. Moser is proud of how his team has regrouped.
“We talked about just playing better winning basketball, to win games, to get in the NCAA Tournament. It was like a business mission statement. We wanted to play better winning basketball.
“These last six games…then we had two gut punches. We had a week of just a gut punch losing to Kentucky at home on that under six seconds, then Pedulla hitting that three. We come back, and how did these guys respond? Beat Missouri, won at Texas, beat Georgia. It’s a credit to their resiliency and the culture of our locker room to fight and stay together.”
Obviously, all eyes will be on Otega Oweh tonight after his heroics in Norman. Brandon Garrison also wore his emotions on his sleeve in his return to his home state (and nearly took a beer can to the head on the way out of the arena). Moser knows Kentucky is much more than just one or two players.
“They have so many offensive weapons. Otega, he’s been really consistent every game. They’ve got so many different offensive weapons. It’s not one guy you have to key in on Kentucky. Their offense is so spaced out. They have fives that can pass. Amari [Williams] and Brandon [Garrison] both can pass so well. They got shooters everywhere. They got a veteran Final Four point guard [Lamont Butler].
“It’s going to be a group effort guarding all their motion, their blast actions. We’ll get after it. I know our guys were stung after that game. Both teams played their tail off. Looking forward to a great matchup tomorrow with Kentucky.”
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.
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