Oklahoma Basketball Keeps Making Elite Teams Look Unstoppable

For the second time in a week, Oklahoma found itself overwhelmed by a powerhouse opponent. This time, it was Tennessee that made the Sooners look completely outmatched in a lopsided 85-60 loss on Saturday.

It wasn’t just that the Volunteers won—it was how dominant they looked in doing so. Tennessee controlled the game from the opening tip, shutting down Oklahoma’s offense and scoring at will. The Sooners, who have struggled against top-tier competition all season, looked like they didn’t belong on the same court.

This has become a troubling pattern for Oklahoma. In recent weeks, the Sooners have made multiple elite teams look even better than they are. Against Kansas, they were outclassed. Against Houston, they couldn’t keep up. And now, against Tennessee, they barely put up a fight.

A Season of Struggles Against the Best

Oklahoma started the season with promise, showing flashes of a competitive squad. But when facing top teams, their weaknesses have been exposed. The loss to Tennessee was a perfect example. The Sooners couldn’t find their rhythm offensively, shooting just 37% from the field, while their defense allowed Tennessee to shoot over 50%.

The Volunteers, who are already among the best in the country, looked completely untouchable against Oklahoma’s struggling defense. Every missed assignment and late rotation by the Sooners was punished, leading to a barrage of easy baskets for Tennessee.

Where Does Oklahoma Go From Here?

For head coach Porter Moser, the challenge is clear—his team must find a way to compete against elite opponents. While Oklahoma has had success against mid-level teams, they have consistently fallen short when the competition stiffens.

The Sooners will need to make adjustments quickly if they want to turn their season around. Tougher defense, more consistent shooting, and better execution against high-level opponents will be necessary. Otherwise, Oklahoma will continue to be the team that makes good teams look unbeatable.

With plenty of conference play left, the Sooners still have opportunities to change the narrative. But if they keep performing like they did against Tennessee, the road ahead will be long and difficult.