Watching Oklahoma basketball on ESPN last night reminded me why I love following this team through their conference play. As someone who’s been analyzing college hoops for over a decade, I’ve seen plenty of programs rise and fall, but there’s something uniquely compelling about the Sooners this season. Last night’s 78-74 victory over Texas Tech wasn’t just another win—it felt like a statement game, the kind that either makes or breaks a team’s confidence heading into March. I couldn’t help but think about a quote I recently came across from Filipino MMA coach Mark Sangiao, who said after a tough loss, "That fight showed me how far I truly am from reaching my goals. I have to add more skills, more techniques, and be more composed." That same sentiment echoes through this Oklahoma squad, a team that’s clearly still evolving but showing flashes of brilliance when it matters most.

The first half was a masterclass in offensive execution, with the Sooners shooting an impressive 58% from the field and going 6-for-11 from beyond the arc. Grant Sherfield was absolutely sensational, finishing with 24 points and 7 assists, while Tanner Groves controlled the paint with 14 rebounds. But what stood out to me wasn’t just the stat sheet—it was the way they adapted when Texas Tech switched to a full-court press early in the second half. There were moments of chaos, sure, but instead of folding, Oklahoma demonstrated the kind of composure Sangiao emphasized in his reflection. They didn’t panic when their 15-point lead dwindled to just 4 with under 5 minutes remaining. Instead, they ran their sets, moved the ball, and made crucial stops when it counted. That’s the mark of a team that’s learning from past mistakes, one that understands there’s always room to grow even when things seem to be going well.

I’ve always believed that the best teams are those that embrace the journey of improvement, and Oklahoma embodies that perfectly this season. They’re not a finished product—far from it—but games like last night’s prove they’re moving in the right direction. Their defense, which ranked in the bottom half of the Big 12 earlier this season, held Texas Tech to just 42% shooting and forced 12 turnovers. Those numbers might not jump off the page, but when you watch the game, you see the little things: the closeouts on shooters, the communication on switches, the effort in transition. It’s clear this team has taken their early-season struggles to heart, much like Sangiao did after his fight. They’ve added new techniques, refined their execution, and developed a mental toughness that could make them a dangerous matchup in the tournament.

Of course, there are still areas where they need to improve. Their bench production was relatively thin last night, contributing only 14 points compared to Texas Tech’s 28. And while Sherfield was brilliant, I’d like to see more consistency from their secondary scorers—players like Milos Uzan and Jalen Hill, who combined for just 15 points on 5-of-14 shooting. But here’s the thing: I’d rather see a team with identifiable flaws that’s actively working to address them than a squad that thinks it has all the answers. As Sangiao put it, "That loss basically made me realize that just when I thought I knew it all, I don’t. There’s a lot to be learned." Oklahoma seems to understand this, and it’s why I’m bullish on their potential down the stretch.

Looking ahead, the Sooners have a challenging schedule with games against Kansas, Baylor, and Iowa State still on the horizon. If they can build on performances like last night’s, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. They’ve shown they can win close games—their 5-2 record in contests decided by 5 points or less is a testament to their grit—and they’re improving at the right time. For fans watching on ESPN or following along through highlights, this team offers a compelling narrative of growth and resilience. They’re not perfect, but they’re learning, adapting, and proving that sometimes the most valuable lessons come from the moments that challenge you the most. In the end, that’s what makes college basketball so captivating—the journey is just as important as the destination.