Texas Longhorns vs Oklahoma Sooners Picks and Predictions March 8th 2025

Oklahoma, Texas Battle for NCAA Resume-Boosting Win

It’s do-or-die time for Oklahoma and Texas, as both desperately need a win in their regular-season finale on Saturday in Austin.

With both teams squarely on the NCAA Tournament bubble, this matchup could be a make-or-break moment ahead of the SEC Tournament next week in Nashville.

Oklahoma Riding Momentum After Upset Win

The Sooners (18-12, 5-12 SEC) enter Saturday’s game on a high note, having pulled off a 96-84 home victory over No. 15 Missouri on Wednesday.

Jeremiah Fears was the star of the night, scoring a career-high 31 points, including a perfect 12-for-12 showing from the free-throw line.

Sam Godwin and Mohamed Wague added 12 points each, while Jalon Moore contributed 11 points in a game where Oklahoma led by as many as 13 points and held off a late Missouri surge.

Godwin’s status for Saturday is uncertain after he missed the second half with a right knee injury, but the Sooners managed to close out the win without him.

“It was very big to see our team come out and actually lock in defensively, be connected, communicate and be resilient,” Moore said. “I congratulate my teammates for that, for continuing to stay with each other, regardless of what it was. And we got the W.”

Texas Snaps Losing Streak With Gritty OT Win

The Longhorns (17-13, 6-11 SEC) were desperate for a win after dropping three straight games, and they delivered in a clutch 87-82 overtime victory at No. 25 Mississippi State on Tuesday.

Tramon Mark led the charge with 24 points, including two crucial free throws in overtime, while Tre Johnson scored 23.

Arthur Kaluma (10 points, 11 rebounds) and Kadin Shedrick (10 points) also provided key contributions as Texas avoided another late-game collapse.

The Longhorns were up by nine points with under four minutes left, only to see Mississippi State force overtime. However, Texas never trailed in OT, showing poise under pressure.

Now, Texas looks to build on that win in its final regular-season home game.

Texas Gets a Boost With Chendall Weaver’s Return

The Longhorns should get a big lift on Saturday with the return of guard Chendall Weaver, who has been out since early January with a hip injury.

Since Weaver went down, Texas has gone just 6-9, missing his high-energy, defensive presence.

“The thing Chendall brings to the table is his effort, and energy is contagious,” Texas coach Rodney Terry said. “When he was on the floor earlier in the year, that dude is the difference in winning. He just makes winning plays.”

Weaver’s return adds depth and leadership to a Texas team that badly needs another win before the conference tournament.

Series History: Texas Has Owned the Rivalry Lately

Oklahoma leads the all-time series 57-49, but Texas has dominated in recent years, winning eight straight meetings and nine of the last 10.

The Longhorns won the first matchup this season, escaping with a 77-73 win in Norman on Jan. 15.

Stay updated with live NCAA Basketball scores and dynamic odds for every matchup this season

What’s at Stake?

For Oklahoma, a win would bolster its NCAA Tournament case and give the Sooners momentum heading into the SEC Tournament.

For Texas, this game is about continuing its late-season turnaround and securing a much-needed quality win before the postseason.

With both teams fighting for their tournament lives, expect an intense, physical rivalry showdown in Austin as the Sooners and Longhorns battle for their March Madness fate.