OU Sooners Solve Late-Game Turnover Issues

Men's basketball team fares well in victory against Auburn

Feb. 25, 2026 at 6:25pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Oklahoma Sooners men's basketball team appears to have solved its late-game turnover issues, according to head coach Porter Moser and player Nijel Pack. The team executed well against the press defense used by Auburn and Georgia in recent games, committing only one turnover in the final four minutes against Auburn.

Why it matters

Limiting turnovers in close games is crucial for the Sooners' success this season. Their ability to break the press and maintain possession down the stretch could be a key factor in winning close games against tough opponents.

The details

In the win over Auburn, the Sooners only had one turnover in the final four minutes of the game. Coach Moser credited the team's improved press-breaking and decision-making, with players like Nijel Pack, Dayton Jett, and Tae Hardy making smart plays against the pressure defense. Pack said the team has learned from earlier mistakes and is now better at being aggressive while also protecting the ball.

  • The Sooners struggled with turnovers in the Vanderbilt game.
  • After the Vanderbilt game, the team had a week off to work on press-breaking.
  • The Sooners then executed well down the stretch against Georgia and Auburn, who were trying to press them violently.

The players

Porter Moser

Head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners men's basketball team.

Nijel Pack

Guard for the Oklahoma Sooners men's basketball team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It really was just the Vanderbilt game that against the press, like against A&M, we didn't turn it over against the press. It was that week off after Vanderbilt where we won the game. The narrative seemed like a heavy blanket. That whole week, then Georgia came, and we executed down the stretch there. Georgia and Auburn were trying to press us violently down the stretch.”

— Porter Moser, Head Coach

“Just being smart at the same time, making passes but also being aggressive at the same time, not being too passive. I think we're learning, improving on some early things we made mistakes on. I think we've cleaned that up; better press-breakers, stronger with the ball. You're just seeing less turnovers when we get pressed and things like that. When people are pressing, it puts them at a disadvantage. I think we took advantage of that tonight and we were able to keep that lead.”

— Nijel Pack, Guard

What’s next

The Sooners will look to continue their improved ball security as they face tougher opponents in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The Oklahoma Sooners have made strides in addressing their late-game turnover issues, which should give them a better chance of winning close games against tough competition this season.