NCAA Basketball: Duke, Memphis, Michigan State rise in latest top 25 power rankings
By Joey Loose
10. Oklahoma (13-1)
Not much was expected from Porter Moser’s squad this season but they continue to surprise. We didn’t see the Sooners play any kind of murderous nonconference slate, but Oklahoma won the games they were supposed to win, while falling in a tough game against North Carolina a few weeks ago. As their final year of Big 12 play begins, it’s a great chance for the Sooners to prove they belong and improve that resume.
Before all of that, the Sooners had one last nonconference tune-up back on New Year’s Eve, beating Monmouth 72-56. Jalon Moore led the Sooners with 21 points and 6 rebounds while Otega Oweh added 13 from the backcourt. They got conference play underway on Saturday, securing a 71-63 win at home against Iowa State. Javian McCollum scored 15 and Milos Uzan added 12 in a total team win for the Sooners.
You could argue that Iowa State was one of the best wins on Oklahoma’s resume to this point in the season, though that 21-point win over Providence has looked much better in recent weeks. Exceeding expectations has been great into early January, but making noise against this tough conference will be a true indicator for Moser’s program. A monster opportunity awaits next week with true road games at TCU and Kansas.