AUSTIN, Texas — Senior Jordan Pope recorded a game-high 30 points, but Texas (18-13, 9-9 SEC) dropped a hard-fought 88-85 decision in overtime to Oklahoma (17-14, 7-11 SEC) on Saturday night in front of a sellout crowd in Moody Center. With the loss, the Longhorns claimed the No. 10 seed in the upcoming SEC Tournament and will face No. 15 seed Ole Miss in a First Round contest on Wednesday, March 11 at 6 p.m. Central (7 p.m. Eastern) on SEC Network.
A Back-and-Forth Contest
The game featured 11 ties and 10 lead changes, demonstrating the competitive nature of Saturday’s matchup. Despite a strong performance from Pope, who set a season high in scoring, the Longhorns were unable to secure a victory. Texas faced a 12-point deficit late in the second half but managed to force overtime with a 20-8 run, capped by three free throws from Pope with 3.5 seconds remaining in regulation.
Key Performances for the Longhorns
In addition to Pope’s 30 points, junior Dailyn Swain contributed 18 points, seven rebounds, and a career-high eight assists in a career-high 41 minutes. Graduate Tramon Mark added 17 points, and sophomore Matas Vokietaitis scored 14 points with six rebounds. Swain and Pope both played a season-high 41 minutes.
Looking Ahead
As the No. 10 seed in the SEC Tournament, Texas will face No. 15 seed Ole Miss on Wednesday, March 11. The Longhorns are 0-2 in overtime games this season. Should they win their first-round contest, they could advance further in the tournament, but their path will depend on the outcomes of other games. The Longhorns could make a run in the tournament, but they will need to address their rebounding issues and close out games effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the game between Texas and Oklahoma?
The final score was Oklahoma 88, Texas 85 in overtime.
What seed did Texas receive in the SEC Tournament?
Texas received the No. 10 seed in the SEC Tournament.
Who will Texas play in the first round of the SEC Tournament?
Texas will face No. 15 seed Ole Miss in the First Round on Wednesday, March 11.
What factors will be most important for the Longhorns as they move forward in the SEC Tournament?
