Four years ago, the Sooners fell to top-seeded Gonzaga, 87-71, in the Round of 32. Not long after, Lon Kruger retired, ushering in a new era in Norman — the Porter Moser era.
In Moser’s first year, Oklahoma finished 19-16 in the Big 12, narrowly missing the tournament as one of the first four out. Year two brought a step back, with the Sooners finishing 15-17 and well outside the NCAA Tournament picture. Year three saw them claw back into contention, only to end the season as the first team left out, despite a 20-12 record.
Year four marked Oklahoma’s inaugural season in the SEC, and the pressure was on Moser to deliver a tournament bid.