Oklahoma edges Texas 88-85 in OT thriller

Sooners overcome late comeback to win regular season finale

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Nijel Pack scored 23 points and Xzayvier Brown added 21 as Oklahoma defeated Texas 88-85 in overtime in the final regular season game for both Southeastern Conference teams. The Sooners led by six late in regulation before Texas rallied to force overtime, but Oklahoma prevailed in the extra period.

Why it matters

This was an important late-season matchup between two SEC teams jockeying for position heading into the conference tournament. The win helps Oklahoma improve its tournament resume, while Texas missed an opportunity to build momentum after losing four of its final five games.

The details

Oklahoma led 40-36 at halftime, but Texas rallied to take the lead late in regulation. The Sooners went on a 14-2 run to take a 12-point lead, but the Longhorns came back, tying the game on a pair of late free throws from Jordan Pope to force overtime. In the extra period, Derrion Reid hit a key 3-pointer for Oklahoma to help seal the victory.

  • The game was the final regular season contest for both teams.
  • Oklahoma and Texas will now head to the SEC tournament as the 11 and 10 seeds, respectively.

The players

Nijel Pack

Oklahoma guard who scored a team-high 23 points.

Xzayvier Brown

Oklahoma forward who added 21 points and 4 steals.

Jordan Pope

Texas guard who led all scorers with 30 points.

Dailyn Swain

Texas forward who contributed 18 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists.

Derrion Reid

Oklahoma forward who hit a key 3-pointer in overtime to help seal the win.

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What they’re saying

“We knew this was going to be a tough game against a good Texas team, but our guys really stepped up when it mattered most. I'm proud of the way we fought through adversity to get this important win.”

— Porter Moser, Oklahoma Head Coach (Oklahoma Athletics)

“We had our chances to win it in regulation, but Oklahoma made the plays down the stretch to pull it out. It's a tough way to end the regular season, but we'll regroup and get ready for the tournament.”

— Chris Beard, Texas Head Coach (Texas Athletics)

What’s next

Oklahoma will face No. 14 seed South Carolina in the first round of the SEC tournament on Wednesday, while Texas will take on No. 15 seed Mississippi.

The takeaway

This back-and-forth thriller between two SEC rivals showcased the depth and competitiveness of the conference, as both teams battled until the final seconds of overtime. The win should provide a boost of confidence for Oklahoma heading into the postseason, while Texas will look to regroup and make a run in the conference tournament.