In the latest edition of college basketball rankings, Oklahoma's Sooners have maintained their position at No. 12 in the AP Top 25 poll despite an undefeated non-conference record. The team secured a comfortable victory over Prairie View A&M last week but did not impress enough to alter voter opinions. Prior to this, the Sooners had demonstrated impressive performances against several major conference opponents, including Michigan and Arizona. Although OU's ranking remained steady in the AP poll, they saw an improvement to No. 10 in the USA Today Coaches Poll. With the upcoming SEC schedule, the Sooners face a challenging path as they prepare for their first conference game against Alabama on January 4th.
The Sooner's Journey: From Non-Conference Dominance to SEC Challenges
In the heart of the college basketball season, the University of Oklahoma’s men's basketball team has been navigating through a series of competitive matchups. After a flawless start to the non-conference portion of their schedule, the Sooners are now preparing for the rigorous SEC play. Despite a dominant 89-67 win over Prairie View A&M, which brought their record to 13-0, the team's position in the AP Top 25 poll remained unchanged at No. 12. However, there was a slight improvement in the USA Today Coaches Poll, moving from No. 11 to No. 10.
Throughout the early part of the season, the Sooners faced formidable opponents, defeating six teams from major conferences. Notable victories included narrow wins over Michigan and Arizona, both ranked at No. 24 when Oklahoma played them. These wins highlighted the team's resilience and competitiveness. In addition, the Sooners' strong performance earned them a stable position in various ranking systems, including KenPom (No. 37) and NET (moving up from No. 42 to No. 41).
The upcoming SEC schedule promises to be a true test of the Sooners' mettle. As one of the top-ranked conferences in men's college basketball this year, the SEC features ten teams in the latest AP poll, including Tennessee, Auburn, and Alabama. Oklahoma will kick off its SEC campaign on January 4th with a match against Alabama, marking the beginning of an 18-game conference schedule. The Lloyd Noble Center will host the Sooners' first home SEC game on January 8th, where they will face Texas A&M, currently ranked No. 13.
The strength of the SEC is evident, with all 16 programs ranked within the top 90 of the NET rankings. This presents a significant opportunity for Oklahoma to bolster its tournament resume. Only three teams remain undefeated in Division I college basketball, including Tennessee, Florida, and Oklahoma, underscoring the importance of every game in this competitive landscape.
From a journalist's perspective, Oklahoma's journey exemplifies the challenges and rewards of transitioning into a new conference. The Sooners' ability to maintain their ranking while facing tough competition speaks volumes about their potential. The upcoming SEC games will undoubtedly test their resolve and could shape their future prospects in the NCAA Tournament. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Sooners embark on this new chapter in their basketball history.