'Oklahoma's not limping in': Porter Moser sends clear message on NCAA Tournament bid

Oklahoma’s NCAA Tournament hopes remain uncertain, but head coach Porter Moser made it clear that he believes the Sooners belong in the field.

Oklahoma (19-15, 7-11 SEC) fell 82-79 to Arkansas in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals, leaving the Sooners as the first team out on the bubble heading into Selection Sunday. According to ESPN's Joe Lunardi, Oklahoma needs help to sneak into the NCAA Tournament.

However, Auburn’s lack of advancement in the SEC Tournament should put them behind Oklahoma with Lunardi’s assessment being spot on. Despite the setback, Moser used his postgame remarks to advocate strongly for his team’s inclusion, selling how well the Sooners have played down the stretch.

“What I want the country to know is they’re playing some of the best basketball in the country right now,” Moser said. “Analytically, one of the top 15 teams the way we’re playing. Number one conference in the country.”

Oklahoma advanced to the quarterfinals with wins over South Carolina and Texas A&M, extending a late-season surge that included six consecutive victories before the loss to Arkansas. Razorbacks star Darius Acuff scored 37 points to help Arkansas escape with the three-point win. The most points in the conference tournament in over two decades. 

The Sooners’ resume remains mixed. Oklahoma is 4-10 in Quad 1 games but has been more competitive recently, going 3-2 in its last five such opportunities. The Sooners also hold a 6-5 record against Quad 2 opponents. Moser believes his team’s momentum should matter to the selection committee.

“I don’t think anybody wants to play Oklahoma in this tournament,” Moser said. “You don’t want teams limping in. Oklahoma’s not limping in.”

The Sooners will learn their postseason fate when the NCAA Tournament bracket is revealed Sunday at 6 p.m. ET on CBS.

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