The Oklahoma Sooners were one of the top teams in college basketball heading into SEC play. This marks Oklahoma’s first year in the conference, and the SEC is widely regarded as the best conference in basketball this season, historically speaking. Heading into conference play, the Sooners were 13-0, one of only three unbeaten teams in the NCAA.
However, conference play has been challenging for Oklahoma. The Sooners are currently 4-10 in the SEC, sitting in 13th place. Coming into their game on Saturday, they were on a five-game losing streak. Aside from their loss to LSU, the other four defeats were by double digits.
Oklahoma welcomed Mississippi State to Norman, needing a ranked win to help secure their position on the right side of the bubble. The Bulldogs were coming off a huge victory over No. 4 Alabama earlier in the week. The matchup had all the signs of another tough game for the Sooners, but that was not the case.
Oklahoma managed to grind out a much-needed win, despite their recent struggles. In a tight game, redshirt senior Duke Miles went after a loose ball, diving for it but missing. His face collided with the hardwood, causing him to lose several teeth and forcing him to miss the remainder of the game.
Miles is a key player for the Sooners, averaging 25.7 minutes, 10.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.7 steals. The High Point transfer has become an essential piece of the team’s puzzle and an important leader on the court.
As of now, it is still uncertain how long Miles will be out. Head coach Porter Moser remains hopeful that his senior will return soon, even if it means wearing a face or mouth guard. The team is determined to push forward in his absence.