Quick Read
- Oklahoma leads the Bedlam rivalry 144-106 and has won the last three meetings.
- Oklahoma State enters the game undefeated at 9-0 under coach Steve Lutz.
- Sooners are favored by 2.5 points, with a projected high-scoring game (O/U: 169.5).
- Nijel Pack leads Oklahoma with 17.2 points per game and is among national leaders in three-pointers.
- Both teams are seeking momentum heading into tough conference schedules.
Bedlam Returns to Oklahoma City: Rivalry Rekindled
When the Oklahoma Sooners and Oklahoma State Cowboys collide in Oklahoma City this Saturday, the energy inside Paycom Center promises to rival any NBA playoff atmosphere. The Bedlam rivalry, a fixture in Oklahoma sports for generations, isn’t just about state bragging rights—it’s a measuring stick for both programs as they chase postseason dreams and seek to define themselves in a rapidly evolving college basketball landscape.
This year’s clash arrives with the Sooners holding a slight edge in history and momentum. Oklahoma leads the all-time series 144-106 and has taken the last three Bedlam matchups, including a dominant 80-65 victory at Paycom Center last season. But records only tell part of the story. Oklahoma State, under head coach Steve Lutz, enters the contest undefeated at 9-0, one of only eight teams nationwide with a perfect record at this stage. For both squads, Saturday isn’t just another game—it’s a statement opportunity on a national stage, televised by FOX and broadcast on the Sooner Sports Radio Network.
Recent Performance: Momentum and Key Players
Oklahoma’s recent form is compelling. The Sooners are 8-9 in neutral-site Bedlam games, with all such contests played in either Oklahoma City or Kansas City. At Paycom Center, they’ve compiled a solid 15-6 record since the venue opened in 2002-03, including a flawless 4-0 mark in NCAA Tournament play and six wins in their last seven appearances. Their last encounter with Oklahoma State here—a 80-65 rout—showcased the depth and versatility of Porter Moser’s squad.
Senior center Sam Godwin starred in that game, notching 20 points and 14 rebounds. Freshman Jeremiah Fears added 17 points and five assists, and senior guard Kobe Elvis drilled five threes. The Sooners dominated off turnovers (21-9), in the paint (42-26), and outscored OSU’s starters by an eye-popping 73-23 margin. This year, Oklahoma continues to flex its offensive muscle, scoring at least 95 points in four of nine games—a pace well above last season’s output.
Guard Nijel Pack leads the team with 17.2 points per game, ranking fourth nationally in three-pointers made (3.9 per game) and 19th in percentage (.486). He’s been a consistent threat from deep, reminiscent of Sooner legend Buddy Hield’s streaks during their Final Four run. Forward Tae Davis, averaging 13.3 points and 7.4 rebounds, has emerged as a rebounding force, ranking second in the SEC for offensive boards. Derrion Reid and Xzayvier Brown provide additional scoring punch, while center Mohamed Wague contributes with efficient shooting (.641) and inside presence.
Oklahoma State’s Challenge: Defensive Grit and Undefeated Start
The Cowboys arrive in Oklahoma City riding a wave of confidence. Their 9-0 record is built on stout defense and timely shooting. Coach Steve Lutz, now in his second season, has transformed OSU into a resilient group, coming off an NIT quarterfinals appearance and a history of NCAA Tournament success at previous stops.
Statistically, Oklahoma State has been sharp against the spread (5-4 ATS) and exceptional on the moneyline (9-0), generating positive returns for bettors. Their ability to hit team total overs in 21 of their last 36 games reflects a balanced attack, though offensive efficiency in extended passing sequences remains a work in progress compared to conference averages. On defense, OSU limits opponents’ shooting in key situations, though Oklahoma has previously exploited right wing three-point attempts—a factor that may again be decisive.
Betting Angles, Trends, and What to Watch
According to BetMGM, Oklahoma enters as a -2.5 point favorite, with the over/under set at a high 169.5 points—suggesting oddsmakers expect a fast-paced, high-scoring affair. Their predictive models give the Sooners a 51.1% chance to win, and a 51.5% probability to cover the spread, underscoring how closely matched these teams are despite the Cowboys’ unbeaten record.
For the Sooners, maintaining their disciplined ball-handling—only 30 turnovers in their last four games, a program low since 1995-96—is essential. Oklahoma’s ability to score in transition and convert off turnovers (62-18 margin over recent games) could tilt the contest. The Cowboys will look to disrupt OU’s rhythm, leaning on defensive intensity and a deep rotation to grind out possessions and capitalize on any lapses.
Beyond the numbers, Bedlam is always unpredictable. Rivalry games have a way of exposing hidden strengths and vulnerabilities. Will Oklahoma’s shooters stay hot in front of a neutral crowd? Can Oklahoma State’s defense force enough mistakes to keep their perfect season alive? The answers will come not just from stars, but from role players willing to seize the moment.
Looking Ahead: Impact on Season and SEC Play
This Bedlam matchup carries implications well beyond the final buzzer. For Oklahoma, a win would solidify their claim as one of the region’s top programs and fuel momentum heading into a loaded SEC schedule, where every home opponent made last year’s NCAA Tournament. For Oklahoma State, victory would extend their unbeaten run and bolster their resume as a rising national contender under Coach Lutz.
After Saturday, the Sooners return home for three straight non-conference games, starting with Kansas City. The Cowboys, meanwhile, aim to prove their early success is no fluke, regardless of outcome. For fans, the stakes are clear: pride, positioning, and the enduring drama of college basketball’s most storied in-state rivalry.
Oklahoma’s edge in recent Bedlam history and offensive firepower gives them a slight advantage, but Oklahoma State’s undefeated start and defensive grit could easily swing the outcome. In a matchup where every possession is magnified and every run could decide the game, expect a fiercely contested battle that will reveal as much about both teams’ character as their talent. The Bedlam rivalry remains one of college basketball’s purest tests of heart and resolve.