Oklahoma reignited its NCAA Tournament aspirations with a pivotal 93-87 upset over No. 21 Mississippi State on Saturday, snapping a five-game losing streak. Freshman standout Jeremiah Fears delivered a career-high 27 points and 10 assists, showcasing clutch efficiency in a must-win game for the Sooners.
The 18-year-old guard converted 58% of his field goals (7/12) and sank 11 free throws, anchoring Oklahoma’s offense throughout the contest. Jalon Moore erupted for 15 second-half points, including back-to-back three-pointers that shifted momentum, while Sam Godwin added 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Mississippi State’s resilience shone with 20 offensive rebounds and 21 second-chance points, but poor shooting (39.7% FG) proved costly. Josh Hubbard (19 points) and KeShawn Murphy (16 points) led the Bulldogs, who fell short despite trimming a 12-point deficit to three in the final minute.
“This victory redefines our season,” Oklahoma coach Porter Moser said postgame. “Jeremiah’s poise and our team’s composure under pressure were the difference-makers.”
Key turning points included:
- Brycen Goodine’s four-point play late in the second half, stretching Oklahoma’s lead to 81-69.
- Moore’s critical free throw with 11 seconds left, sealing the win after Mississippi State’s late surge.
- Oklahoma’s 68% second-half shooting, a stark contrast to their season-long inconsistency.
The Sooners (17-10, 4-10 SEC) now face No. 17 Kentucky in a high-stakes home matchup, while Mississippi State (19-8, 7-7) visits No. 4 Alabama. With NCAA Tournament brackets looming, Oklahoma’s improved ball security (11 turnovers) and Fears’ emergence as a dual-threat guard could spark a late-season resurgence.
