Oklahoma Rises One Spot in AP Top 25 Heading Into Postseason Play
Despite a road loss to unranked Kansas on Saturday, the Sooners climbed one spot in this week's AP Top 25.
Heading into the Big 12 Conference Tournament in Kansas City, Oklahoma sits at No. 19 in this week's poll.
OU's jump was fueled by an exhilarating one-point victory over then-No. 3 Texas in which senior guard Lexy Keys connect on a catch-and-shoot 3-pointer with less than five seconds left.
Despite trailing for most of the contest, Oklahoma's perimeter shooting kept them within striking distance and a solid defensive effort in the second half allowed Jennie Baranczyk's team to overtake the Longhorns late.
With the win, the Sooners captured their second consecutive Big 12 regular season title. The victory also gave OU the season sweep of a very impressive Texas team that has enough talent to potentially make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
Junior guard Payton Verhulst led the way for Oklahoma against the Longhorns, tallying 18 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal.
After an emotional victory over a rival on Wednesday night, the Sooners traveled to Lawrence on Saturday, but were unable to escape with a victory as Verhulst scored 22.
Still, OU is the No. 1 seed in the Big 12 Tournament, draws a first-round bye and will face either Oklahoma State or TCU in its first game from Kansas City on March 9.
Texas fell to No. 6 in the latest AP Poll while Kansas State checks in at No. 16 and Baylor lands at No. 17.
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