NCAA Basketball: Gonzaga, BYU falls, and Virginia rises in latest top-25 power ranking

16. Oklahoma Sooners – 9-0

Although they have wins over Iowa and USC in the Rady Children’s Invitational Tournament, not many folks on the national scene remain overly impressed with the unbeaten Sooners. But they have two good opportunities to show that they’re for real, taking on a pair of power conference programs.

First up was Providence at home. It started close, with the Friars just down four points at the half. However, it became a complete blowout afterward, as Oklahoma blitzed them in the second half to get the 72-51 win. Javian McCollum had 19 pts and four assists to lead the way, while Milos Uzan had 17 pts and 12 rebs. Otega Oweh and Sam Goodwin were also in double figures.

The Arkansas matchup was a neutral site game and arguably the toughest test for Oklahoma to this point. However, a strong start to the game and shooting over 50% from the field all game allowed the Sooners to get a 79-70 victory. McCollum had 20 pts to lead the way again, while Oweh had 14 pts on 6/7 shooting. Rivardo Soares chipped in with 13 off the bench as well.

Up next for Oklahoma is Green Bay, a team that was one of the worst in NCAA Basketball a year ago but is 4-5 to start the season, already a win more than they had in the 2022-23 campaign. Still, expect the Sooners to be a big favorite when they play on Saturday.