While most of America will be stampeding into malls for holiday sales, the Oklahoma Sooners will be storming into Chicago’s Wintrust Arena for a showdown that’s already raising eyebrows across the college basketball landscape. In a surprising scheduling move, Marquette has arranged a neutral-site battle with the Sooners—and it’s all going down on Black Friday, November 29th.
This isn’t your typical early-season cupcake game. No home-court advantage. No familiar hardwood. Just two powerhouses meeting in a high-stakes clash under the lights of the Windy City. And naturally, college hoops Twitter had questions. Why Chicago? Why now? Is this a hidden NCAA Tournament preview?
While Marquette fans are calling it a strategic move to boost non-conference résumé strength, Sooner Nation has a different take: It’s an opportunity to send a loud, national message. Oklahoma isn’t just building—they’re coming to dominate.
And let’s be honest—the timing couldn’t be funnier. As shoppers elbow each other for discounted TVs, the Sooners and Golden Eagles will be trading jumpers, dunks, and defense in a city that knows drama. One team walks away with bragging rights. The other walks away wishing they stayed home for turkey leftovers.
Head Coach Porter Moser, who knows the Chicago area like the back of his clipboard from his Loyola-Chicago days, is expected to bring the fire. The Sooners’ recent transfer haul—featuring impact players like Xzayvier Brown, Nijel Pack, and Tae Davis—adds fuel to the fire, giving OU a dynamic roster ready to run.
And don’t sleep on the fact that this game might just be a litmus test. Can Oklahoma hang with top-tier programs outside the comfort of Norman? Can they put the rest of the NCAA on notice with a win in a neutral battleground?
Whether you’re a die-hard hoops fan or just need an excuse to avoid another trip to Target, Black Friday just became basketball Friday for the Sooners.
So cancel your shopping cart—this game might be the best deal you find all day
