With March Madness just around the corner, teams on the bubble are doing everything they can to solidify their place in the NCAA Tournament. One of those teams? The Oklahoma Sooners. After a rollercoaster season filled with highs, lows, and plenty of nail-biters, the Sooners are making a strong push at just the right time. But is their late-season surge enough to secure a coveted tournament bid?
Building Momentum at the Right Time
If there’s one thing college basketball fans know, it’s that momentum matters in March. The Sooners have been playing some of their best basketball in recent weeks, pulling off key wins against strong opponents. They’ve tightened up their defense, found more consistency in their offense, and—perhaps most importantly—figured out how to close out games. Earlier in the season, Oklahoma struggled in clutch moments, but now they’re showing the kind of resilience that makes teams dangerous in tournament play.
A huge factor in this turnaround has been the emergence of key players stepping up when it matters most. Senior leadership, contributions from the bench, and improved shooting efficiency have all played a role in Oklahoma’s late-season success. The question now is whether it’s enough to impress the NCAA selection committee.
What Do the Bracketologists Say?
As of now, Oklahoma finds itself in the dreaded “bubble” category, meaning their tournament fate isn’t entirely in their own hands. The latest projections have the Sooners hovering around the last four in/first four out range, making every remaining game crucial. Selection Sunday isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s about strength of schedule, quality victories, and how a team finishes the season.
A strong performance in the SEC Tournament would go a long way toward solidifying their bid. If the Sooners can knock off another ranked opponent, they’ll significantly boost their resume. On the other hand, an early exit could put them at risk of missing the tournament altogether.
Will the Committee Reward Oklahoma’s Resurgence?
Historically, the selection committee has favored teams that finish strong, and Oklahoma is making a compelling case. Their recent wins showcase a team that is peaking at the right time, but the competition for those final spots is fierce. If the Sooners want to hear their name called on Selection Sunday, they need to leave no doubt by continuing their strong play in the conference tournament.
One thing is certain—Oklahoma has made things interesting. Now, they just have to finish the job.
