Oklahoma Ends Losing Streak Against No. 21 Mississippi State

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Jeremiah Fears posted an impressive 27 points and a career-high 10 assists as Oklahoma triumphed over No. 21 Mississippi State 93-87 on Saturday, snapping a five-game losing streak and reviving its NCAA Tournament aspirations. The game, held at the Lloyd Noble Center, was pivotal for both teams as they look to secure better standings in the Southeastern Conference.

Fears, an 18-year-old freshman, shot 7 of 12 from the field and converted 11 of 14 free throws, marking one of his most efficient outings this season. This significant performance contributes to his growing reputation and showcases his potential to lead the Sooners (17-10, 4-10 SEC).

“I just tried to take what the defense gave me,” Fears said after the game. “My teammates set me up nicely, and it felt great to win, especially after the rough patch we’ve been through.”

Other key contributors for Oklahoma included Jalon Moore, who scored 18 points—15 of them in the second half—and Sam Godwin, who recorded a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds.

Mississippi State (19-8, 7-7 SEC) entered the game with momentum following wins against ranked teams, including Mississippi and Texas A&M. Josh Hubbard led the Bulldogs in scoring with 19 points, while KeShawn Murphy added 16. Despite a strong first half that saw them lead 37-34, Mississippi State struggled to maintain their advantage against a determined Oklahoma squad.

“We just didn’t capitalize on our chances in the second half,” said Mississippi State head coach Chris Jans. “You have to give credit to Oklahoma for their effort, but we need to be better.”

The Sooners surged ahead early in the second half, highlighted by a 3-pointer and a dunk from Moore, bringing their lead to 44-41. Moore hit another critical 3-pointer later in the half, extending Oklahoma’s lead to 53-48.

In a moment of key advancement, Brycen Goodine connected on a 3-pointer and got fouled, completing the four-point play to elevate Oklahoma’s lead to 81-69 with just under five minutes left.

Mississippi State fought back and managed to close the gap, with Claudell Harris Jr. connecting on a contested 3-pointer to narrow Oklahoma’s lead to 90-87 with only 28 seconds remaining.

Despite their 20 offensive rebounds that resulted in 21 second-chance points, the Bulldogs finished the game with a field goal percentage of just 39.7%. “We have to make those opportunities count,” Murphy said.

Oklahoma showed a disciplined effort with only 11 turnovers, a notable improvement for a team that has struggled with mistakes throughout the season. Moore was fouled with 11.3 seconds left and made one of two free throws to solidify the lead to 93-87.

The Sooners shot an impressive 68% from the field in the second half and 52.7% overall. Next, Mississippi State will face No. 4 Alabama on Tuesday, while Oklahoma prepares to host No. 17 Kentucky on Wednesday.