In 2025, the Oklahoma Sooners achieved a monumental feat in the SEC Tournament, becoming Co-Champions alongside another powerhouse team. This victory was a testament to the hard work, perseverance, and heart of a team that faced numerous obstacles throughout the season but managed to rise to the occasion when it mattered most. The journey to the championship was filled with moments of doubt, moments of brilliance, and, ultimately, a culmination of effort that left their mark on SEC basketball history.
At the start of the season, many critics viewed the Sooners as an outsider in the competitive Southeastern Conference, which had seen the rise of several formidable programs. Oklahoma had been accustomed to playing in the Big 12 Conference, but this was a different challenge altogether. Transitioning into the SEC, with its physical style of play and a slew of dominant teams, was going to test the Sooners in ways they had never experienced before. There were skeptics who questioned whether they could handle the step-up in competition, but head coach Porter Moser and his team were determined to prove them wrong.
Throughout the regular season, Oklahoma displayed flashes of brilliance. The team struggled at times, especially during early SEC matchups, where they were often outmuscled by some of the stronger, more experienced teams. However, the Sooners’ resilience shone through as they steadily began to adjust to the physicality and intensity of SEC play. Moser’s coaching philosophy, which emphasized a strong defensive identity, started to take hold, and his players began to develop a sense of chemistry and confidence. One of the key factors in their success was the emergence of a few standout players who had previously flown under the radar.
Junior forward Tanner Groves became one of the most prominent figures in the Sooners’ rise. Groves, with his combination of size, skill, and versatility, was a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. His ability to stretch the floor with his outside shooting and dominate in the post made him a central figure in Oklahoma’s offense. Alongside him, the emergence of freshman guard Jalen Hill brought a spark to the backcourt. Hill’s speed, ball-handling, and ability to create plays for himself and his teammates were crucial in Oklahoma’s offensive success. Their partnership was one of the cornerstones of the Sooners’ tournament run.
Oklahoma’s defense, however, was perhaps the most underrated aspect of their success. Moser’s philosophy of playing relentless, gritty defense began to show its impact in the latter half of the regular season. The Sooners quickly became known for their ability to stifle opposing offenses, forcing turnovers, and turning defense into offense. This defensive identity proved to be the foundation upon which their success was built, and as the season progressed, it became clear that they were capable of competing with the best teams in the SEC.
As the SEC Tournament approached, Oklahoma had already solidified their place as one of the top teams in the conference. The Sooners entered the tournament with momentum, having earned respect from their peers and overcoming early doubts. However, they still had to prove themselves on the grand stage of the tournament, where anything could happen.
The first few games of the SEC Tournament were a true test of Oklahoma’s resilience. In their opening matchup, they faced a tough opponent in the form of the Alabama Crimson Tide, a team that had been one of the conference’s best all season. Oklahoma was up for the challenge. Despite facing a high-powered offense, the Sooners locked in defensively, and their balanced offensive attack kept Alabama on their heels. Groves dominated inside, while Hill and others contributed key plays that kept Oklahoma in the game. When the final buzzer sounded, the Sooners emerged victorious, having fought tooth and nail for every possession. It was a hard-fought win, but it set the tone for what was to come.
The next round brought another formidable challenge in the form of the Auburn Tigers, a team with one of the most explosive offenses in the SEC. Auburn had proven to be a tough out throughout the season, and they were considered one of the favorites to win the tournament. However, Oklahoma’s defense, now firing on all cylinders, shut down Auburn’s high-flying offense. Groves continued to be a force, and the Sooners’ ability to control the tempo of the game allowed them to dictate the pace. By the time the final whistle blew, Oklahoma had secured another impressive victory, moving them one step closer to the championship.
The semifinals pitted Oklahoma against another high-ranked opponent in the Tennessee Volunteers. Tennessee had been one of the most consistent teams throughout the SEC season, and they had a tough, physical style of play that seemed tailor-made to challenge Oklahoma’s defensive scheme. The game was a gritty, defensive battle from start to finish. The Sooners held their ground, using their quickness and defensive awareness to frustrate Tennessee’s offense. Groves continued to be a key player, both on the offensive and defensive ends, while the team’s collective effort ensured that Tennessee’s offense never fully found a rhythm. Oklahoma’s depth became apparent, as bench players like Elijah Harkless contributed key minutes. When the final buzzer sounded, Oklahoma had done the unthinkable: they had knocked off the top-seeded Tennessee team, advancing to the championship game.
In the championship game, Oklahoma faced off against a familiar rival in the Kentucky Wildcats. Kentucky, another perennial powerhouse, had long been considered one of the top programs in college basketball, and their path to the final had been impressive. But the Sooners were not intimidated. They had already proved that they could compete with anyone in the SEC, and this was their moment to prove they were the best.
The championship game lived up to its billing as a heavyweight battle between two teams with contrasting styles. Kentucky’s offense was built around fast breaks and explosive plays, while Oklahoma’s strength lay in their methodical, disciplined defense and efficient offensive execution. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading punches. Groves was a key figure once again, his inside scoring and rebounding providing a steady presence. Hill showed his playmaking ability, creating open shots for his teammates. As the game wore on, it became clear that Oklahoma’s defense was going to be the difference.
In the final minutes of the game, with the score tied, Oklahoma’s defense locked down Kentucky’s offense, forcing missed shots and turnovers. With under a minute left, Groves hit a clutch basket to give Oklahoma a slim lead. Kentucky had one final chance, but a last-second shot missed the mark, and when the buzzer sounded, the Sooners had clinched the 2025 SEC Tournament Co-Championship.
The crowd erupted, and the players celebrated on the court. They had achieved something remarkable, proving that they belonged in the SEC and that their hard work, team chemistry, and defense could carry them to greatness. For Oklahoma, this was more than just a victory in a tournament; it was a statement to the rest of the college basketball world that they were a force to be reckoned with.
For Coach Moser, this victory was the culmination of years of hard work. It was a testament to his coaching philosophy, his ability to adapt to the challenges of a new conference, and his trust in his players. The Sooners had overcome adversity and doubt, and now they stood as Co-Champions of the SEC Tournament.
As the celebration continued, the Sooners knew that their journey was far from over. They had earned the respect of the SEC, but their sights were now set on the ultimate prize—the NCAA Tournament. For the Sooners, this victory was just the beginning of what they hoped would be an unforgettable postseason run. But regardless of what came next, the 2025 SEC Tournament Co-Championship would forever be etched in their legacy. It was a moment of triumph that showcased the heart and soul of the Oklahoma Sooners basketball program.
