Porter Moser: 'I see a world where this isn't our last Bedlam game'

Porter Moser doesn’t believe this is the end for Bedlam basketball. After Moser’s Oklahoma team defeated rival Oklahoma State by a score of 84-82 on Saturday, the coach addressed the future of the in-state rivalry.

The Sooners are set to move into the SEC next season, meaning the annual conference meeting with the Cowboys won’t be on their schedule. However, given the exciting atmosphere inside Gallagher-Iba Arena, Moser is hopeful they can perhaps meeting again in the nonconference.

“I thought the atmosphere was elite,” he said. “I give credit to Oklahoma State and their fans to make that a great rivalry. I see a world where this isn’t our last Bedlam game.”

Oklahoma and Oklahoma State have already decided not to renew their rivalry in football at least for the next few seasons. However, with many more nonconference games available to schedule in college basketball, there is still hope the two sides can work something out.

With the win Saturday, the Sooners hold a 141-107 lead in the all-time Bedlam basketball series. However, Oklahoma State has still won 11 of the past 18 meetings, and their were countless classic games between the two rivals over the years.

Saturday’s overtime thriller was another to add to the list, as OU guard Javian McCollum nailed a buzzer-beating 3-pointer with a hand in his face to secure the win. He finished with 14 points and was one of five Sooners in double figures. Rivaldo Soares led the team with 20 points off the bench, while Jalon Moore had a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds.

Oklahoma State also had three players finish with at least 20 points. Javon Small and Quion Williams tied for the team lead with 21 apiece. The Cowboys showed fight until the end that is indicative of what this rivalry means to the players and fans on both sides.

“Win or lose, Oklahoma State and Oklahoma, both these teams were resilient coming back-and-forth in a high, emotional game,” Moser said. “What performances by a lot of their players and our players on stage in an emotional game. I give them total credit.”

Oklahoma has swept the season series with Saturday’s win. Although the teams could still potentially meet in the Big 12 Tournament, the future after this year is unclear. Hopefully for the sake of a game that means so much to so many, the Sooners and Cowboys can come together to work something out.