Oklahoma Survives Overtime Battle Against Colorado in College Basketball Crown

Sooners coach Porter Moser admits team was 'really rusty' in narrow victory

Apr. 2, 2026 at 3:36am

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The Oklahoma Sooners narrowly defeated the Colorado Buffaloes 90-86 in overtime in the first round of the College Basketball Crown tournament in Las Vegas. The Sooners, who had not played in 19 days, struggled with rust and poor shooting throughout the game, trailing by as much as 10 points before rallying late to force overtime. Oklahoma head coach Porter Moser acknowledged his team's offensive struggles, saying they 'got in a hole' due to the long layoff between games.

Why it matters

This game highlighted the challenges teams can face when returning to action after an extended break, as both Oklahoma and Colorado had not played in over two weeks. The Sooners' narrow victory, despite their clear rust, raises questions about their ability to compete at a high level as the tournament progresses.

The details

The Sooners shot just 36.7% in the first half and trailed 41-37 at the break. Colorado's shooting percentage dipped to 24% in the second half, allowing Oklahoma to rally and force overtime. The game featured 71 total free throws, with the officials playing a significant role in the sloppy nature of the contest. Oklahoma had two key players, Derrion Reid and Kai Rogers, in foul trouble by halftime.

  • Oklahoma's last game was a 82-79 loss to Arkansas in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals on March 13.
  • Colorado's last game was a 92-83 loss to Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Tournament first round on March 10.
  • The College Basketball Crown first-round matchup between Oklahoma and Colorado took place on Wednesday, April 2, 2026.

The players

Porter Moser

The head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners men's basketball team.

Derrion Reid

An Oklahoma Sooners player who was in foul trouble early in the game.

Kai Rogers

An Oklahoma Sooners player who was in foul trouble early in the game.

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What they’re saying

“We got some stops down the stretch, but we were really rusty offensively. And we just got in a hole. But to stick with it being down 10, and we've been there before and just knowing that you're gonna win it by getting stops. By getting stops you're gonna win it.”

— Porter Moser, Head Coach, Oklahoma Sooners

What’s next

The Sooners will play in the semifinals of the College Basketball Crown on Saturday, April 5, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. CT, with a spot in the championship game on the line.

The takeaway

Oklahoma's narrow victory over a depleted Colorado team despite their own offensive struggles highlights the challenges teams can face when returning to action after an extended break. The Sooners will need to shake off the rust and improve their shooting if they hope to advance deeper into the College Basketball Crown tournament.