Texas Longhorns at Oklahoma Sooners

James, Bieniemy preserve Sooners' 69-67 defeat of Texas

In Saturday's return matchup, Bieniemy was the hero.

The freshman point guard blocked Matt Coleman III's potential game-winner at the buzzer to give Oklahoma a 69-67 win over the Longhorns.

Coleman's chance to win came right after Oklahoma let an opportunity to put the game away slip by, as Kristian Doolittle missed the front half of a one-and-one and gave Texas one more chance.

Though Texas had a timeout remaining, coach Shaka Smart decided to put the game in the hands of his players, as Coleman got the ball immediately after the rebound and ran up the court.

Bieniemy picked him up just as Coleman crossed midcourt. When Coleman elevated over the 6-foot-4 Bieniemy at the 3-point line, Bieniemy reached his right hand up and knocked the ball away, sealing Oklahoma's second consecutive win and keeping alive the Sooners' NCAA Tournament hopes.

Smart said looking back, he'd have called a timeout after Doolittle's miss.

"I felt like we could be able to get the ball up the floor faster than we did," Smart said.

In the first meeting between the teams, Bieniemy hit three 3-pointers in the final four minutes before missing one with 11 seconds left that helped Texas escape with the win.

LETDOWN

As Texas (15-12, 7-7 Big 12) fights for its NCAA Tournament life, the Longhorns for now have to do it without leading scorer Kerwin Roach II.

Roach was suspended indefinitely Friday for a violation of team rules.

The senior guard was averaging 15 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists.

Jase Febres started in Roach's place and hit five 3-pointers including two critical ones in the final three minutes but missed one in the final 10 seconds.

TURNING POINT

After Febres' missed 3-pointer in the final 10 seconds, Oklahoma defenders fought for several seconds for the rebound, eventually resulting in a shot-clock violation that gave the Sooners the ball back.

Texas was forced to foul on the inbounds, giving Oklahoma the chance to put the game away with two free throws, though Doolittle missed to give Texas one final chance.

BIG PICTURE

Oklahoma: The Sooners' NCAA Tournament chances got a big boost with the win. Oklahoma's 12-1 nonconference record has kept the Sooners in the discussion despite a sub-.500 Big record.

Texas: The Longhorns' lost for the second time in three games and their NCAA Tournament hopes took a hit in the process. Texas still has a solid chance to at least make the field, but Roach's indefinite suspension could have a lasting impact on their chances with tough games at Baylor and at home against Iowa State coming up.

UP NEXT

Texas: Travels to Baylor on Wednesday. The Longhorns beat the Bears, 84-72, on Feb. 6 at home.

Oklahoma: Travels to No. 19 Iowa State on Monday. The Sooners lost to the Cyclones 75-74 at home on Feb. 4. Oklahoma hasn't won in Ames since 2011.

MURRAY HONORED

Late in the first half, former Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray was honored after winning the Heisman Trophy last season.

Murray, who recently walked away from a contract with baseball's Oakland A's to pursue an NFL career, said he hadn't decided if he would work out at next week's NFL Combine in Indianapolis.

"I mean, they can hold out all the hope they want to," Murray said. "I'm going to play football."

In addition to Murray, former Sooners star Buddy Hield was recognized at the game. Hield's Sacramento Kings played in Oklahoma City later Saturday.

How can I watch Texas vs. Oklahoma?

• TV Channel: Texas at Oklahoma 2021 College Basketball, week 16, is broadcasted on ESPNU.
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