Oklahoma caps final Bedlam meeting with buzzer-beating 3-pointer in overtime
What could be the last Bedlam basketball meeting for the foreseeable future didn’t fail to deliver. In a game that needed overtime to decide a winner, Javian McCollum hit a 3-pointer as time expired to give Oklahoma an 84-82 win over rival Oklahoma State on Saturday.
With a hand in his face, McCollum was forced to put up a difficult shot from the corner as time expired. It miraculously went in, stunning the crowd of orange at Gallagher-Iba Arena. You can view the moment below.
The victory gave the Sooners the series win for this season, as they previously defeated the Cowboys 66-62 in Norman on Feb. 10. It also marked the first win for OU in Stillwater in four seasons.
With Oklahoma set to move to the SEC next season, this meeting between the two teams could be the last for some time. A matchup in the Big 12 Tournament later this season is also still a possibility. The Sooners hold a 141-107 all-time advantage in the series that has featured many classic matchups.
Saturday’s game is sure to be added to that list. Oklahoma State led for the majority of the contest and held a 38-30 advantage at halftime. However, the Sooners managed to stay within an arm’s length and took their first lead of the second half with 3:21 remaining.
It was a back-and-forth battle from there, and Javon Small tied the game at 72 after making a layup with 42 seconds to go. The Cowboys then got a defensive stop and Small was fouled on the ensuing possession, giving them a chance to win. Unfortunately, he missed the front end of a one-and-one and the game went to overtime.
The teams traded blows in the extra period until John-Michael Wright hit a 3-pointer to put OSU up 82-81. Both Oklahoma and Oklahoma State were scoreless over the next 1:28 until McCollum provided the game-winner.
McCollum finished the game with 14 points (5-16 FG) and a pair of rebounds and assists. Rivaldo Soares led the Sooners with 20 points, while Jalon Moore finished with a double-double of 11 points and 14 rebounds. Small and Quion Williams tied to lead the Cowboys with 21 points apiece.
Oklahoma improved to 19-8 (7-7 Big 12) with the victory and will aim to close out the regular season strong. The Sooners have four games remaining, beginning with a matchup against No. 6 Iowa State at 7 p.m. CT on Wednesday in Ames.