OU men’s basketball head coach Porter Moser during the game against Alcorn State on Dec. 7.
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OU men’s basketball head coach Porter Moser during the game against Alcorn State on Dec. 7.
In sports, the term “must win” holds significant weight to it.
Generally used when a team is facing elimination of any kind or when a season is in desperate need of being turned around, hearing “must win” turns the intensity up and adds an extra layer of drama to an upcoming game.
So does Wednesday night’s game against the Texas Longhorns (11-5, 0-3) meet the “must win” criteria for the Oklahoma Sooners (13-3, 0-3)? After starting the season a perfect 13-0 but yet to win their first SEC game in their new conference, is this one a “gotta have it” game as the Sooners look to finish the second half of their season as strong as the first half?
Head coach Porter Moser says “no.”
“I don’t look at games in terms of ‘must wins,’” Moser said Tuesday. “I want to see our guys get better. What can we ultimately do better to help us get over that hump and start coming out on the right side of these games.”
“We have a lot of basketball left to play this year.”
While fans might disagree with Moser’s sentiment, the head coach is correct when looking at what remains in the 2024-25 season for his Sooners. There is a lot of ball left, and game four of an 18-game conference slate will not ultimately make or break how the season goes for OU. Although, taking down the Longhorns when the two teams hit the hardwood at 9 p.m. Wednesday night could be the spark the Sooners need to get back to their winning ways.
A potential catalyst for that spark? Transfer forward Mohamed Wague.
After working through limited minutes in the non conference due to foul issues, Wague has seen his role increase in conference play, thanks to keeping his fouls in check. The role increase allowed him to turn in his most efficient game last Saturday against Georgia.
Despite the loss, Wague scored 10 points, pulled in three rebounds, dished out two assists and came away with two blocks and three steals defensively in 16 minutes of action. He was the Sooners’ fourth leading scorer behind Jalon Moore, Kobe Elvis and Duke Miles.
Wague brings critical experience to the team as well. The big man has spent time playing in arguably the hardest college basketball conferences in the country, making stops at West Virginia (Big 12) and then Alabama (SEC) before arriving in Norman. Moser was drawn to Wague when he put his name in the portal due to that experience that Wague provides, as well as the physical intangibles he could bring to the team.
“Mo has incredible length and athleticism,” Moser said. “He also had the experience, playing for coach (Bob) Huggins and also for (Alabama head coach) Nate Oats, but his length and athleticism was something I thought we needed for this team.”
That length and athleticism allows Wague to impact plays even if he doesn’t have the ball in his hands. Whether on offense or defense, Wague gives opposing teams a different element to think about when determining how to attack the Sooners.
“I just always want to stay ready for whenever my time comes,” Wague said Tuesday. “I’m here to help the team in any way that I can, and I know that I have to make the most of those opportunities when I get them.”
Rebounding has been an issue for the Sooners throughout the entire season. Having Wague on the court playing more consistent minutes could bring rebounding relief to a team that will take all the help it can get.
For Wague and the Sooners, attention turns to the Longhorns. Despite the 0-3 start in conference play, the Sooners aren’t hanging any heads. The SEC grind doesn’t allow for that. It is a “next game up” mentality, and short memory is required to be able to find success.
As the Sooners and Longhorns get set for their first hoops showdown as new members of the SEC, something has to give for both teams. Both squads are still winless in conference play, and both would love to be the reason why their rival’s losing streak is still going.
Oklahoma and Texas will face off Wednesday night at 9 p.m. inside the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman. The game will also be broadcast on the SEC Network.
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