Oklahoma Suffers Historic Season-Opening Upset Against East Texas A&M

The University of Oklahoma men's basketball team suffered a historic and stunning 68-64 defeat to East Texas A&M University during their season opener on Monday night at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Oklahoma. Entering the matchup as heavy favorites, the Sooners saw their season outlook take a major hit as the Lions secured their first-ever win against an active Southeastern Conference program.

Bo Aldridge led the charge for East Texas A&M by scoring 22 points on 8-for-12 shooting, while Mohamed Diakite and Alonzo Dodd each contributed 15 points. The Lions never trailed after claiming a 13-12 lead in the first half and successfully fended off a late Oklahoma surge to seal the victory.

Oklahoma clawed back from a 16-point second-half deficit, tying the game at 58-58 following a layup by Derrion Reid with 4:55 remaining. However, the Sooners could not take the lead, and East Texas A&M closed out the contest with an 8-6 run. Aldridge secured the game by hitting two free throws with just three seconds left on the clock.

The Sooners struggled offensively throughout the night, shooting 40% from the field and committing 15 turnovers. They converted only eight field goals in the first half and missed 15 free throws overall. Pop Isaacs scored 15 points for Oklahoma, and Derrion Reid added 14 points along with 10 rebounds.

Before take any questions, the only thing I know what to do is apologize to the fan base and get better,

Head coach Porter Moser expressed deep disappointment after the game, taking full responsibility for the team's performance. "I apologize to every single person that came in (tonight)," Moser stated in his postgame press conference. He added that the squad played on their heels and noted that the combination of turnovers, missed free throws, and a deficit from beyond the 3-point line ultimately cost them the game.

The loss serves as a devastating early blemish for Oklahoma, which entered the contest having won 22 of its previous 23 season openers and 30 consecutive non-conference games at home. Ranked No. 294 in KenPom prior to the game and facing nearly 30-point underdog odds, East Texas A&M's victory stands as one of the largest Division I upsets by spread in the last thirty years.

The defeat intensifies pressure on Moser, whose tenure in Norman has yielded a 95-76 overall record and just one NCAA Tournament appearance since taking over in 2021. The Sooners will look to bounce back when they host Mississippi Valley State on Friday night.