Oklahoma Basketball Dominates Ole Miss in SEC Opener

Coach Porter Moser didn’t want to make a big deal about it during the week, but Oklahoma guard Xzayvier Brown was battling the flu. Despite his illness, Brown delivered a standout performance that helped the Sooners secure an 86-70 victory over Mississippi at the Lloyd Noble Center, marking their first game of conference play.

“X is a warrior, man,” Moser said after the game. “He’s been sick. He’s been really sick and had to fight through it.”

Brown’s impressive 23-point performance was a key factor in the Sooners’ win. Entering the game, Mississippi ranked second in the SEC in scoring defense, making Brown’s efforts even more remarkable.

Since averaging just 7.3 points on 7 for 30 field goals and 0 for 14 three-point shooting over a three-game stretch while dealing with a sprained ankle, Brown has shown significant improvement. In his last five games, he has scored 21, 21, 18, 22, and 23 points respectively.

“X was definitely battling some stuff today,” said senior guard Nijel Pack. “For him to come out and play the way he did, it gives everybody else the confidence to come in, be themselves and play their game. That’s what X did, especially in the second half, he was really dominant and unguardable. That just makes this team better. The better he plays, the better the team is going to be.”

Tae Davis and Nijel Pack each added 15 points, while Kuol Atak, fresh off a career-high 24 points and six three-pointers against MVSU, contributed 14 points and four three-pointers against Mississippi.

The Sooners outrebounded Mississippi 40-33, and they improved their overall record to 11-3. They are now 9-0 in games played in Oklahoma, with eight home wins and a win over Oklahoma State in Oklahoma City.

True freshman center Kai Rogers returned to action after missing the MVSU game due to an ankle injury, playing two minutes. Guard Dayton Forsythe was available to play after being listed as probable Friday night, but did not log any minutes.

Jadon Jones noted that having veteran guards like Brown and Pack has been crucial for the Sooners’ recent improvements.

“Being able to rely on guys who aren’t going to be shaken by the moment — Nigel, Xzyavier, even Tae (Davis), they’ve played a lot of basketball,” Jones said. “There’s not a lot of situations they haven’t seen. So it gives you a calming presence when you know you have guys who aren’t going to be overwhelmed by whatever situation is in front of us. That’s a really big advantage that we have.”

Mo Wague Shines in Double-Double Performance

Mississippi guard AJ Storr drove the lane, went up and around Nijel Pack to the glass, but didn’t account for 6-foot-10 big man Mo Wague.

Wague, who had one of his best games as a Sooner, sprinted toward the paint and swatted Storr’s layup attempt. Wague finished with 10 points, a career-high 15 rebounds, including five on the offensive glass, three blocks, and a steal.

“Mo Wague, he’s a guy, his conditioning is so much better than it was a year ago,” Moser said. “He’s able to play athletically.”

The second-year OU center also dished three assists and finished with only two fouls. Wague struggled with foul trouble last season and earlier this year as he took on a larger role.

“I don’t want him to get not aggressive,” Moser said. “It’s just hard for the timing of some of those fouls. I go, ‘I don’t want you to not go for the offensive rebound.’ He’s so valuable on the court.”

Three-Point Shooting Plays Key Role

OU and Mississippi combined for 21 three-pointers in the game. The Sooners finished 11 for 28 from beyond the arc, while Mississippi knocked down 10 of its 26 attempts.

“We gave up nine 3s at half,” Moser said. “We’ve got to guard the 3-point line.”

Malik Dia scored 17 points and was 3 for 8 from long range, while true freshman Patton Pinkins was 4 for 6 from deep. Pinkins finished with 25 points.

Mississippi entered the contest ranked 15th of 16 SEC teams in three-pointers per game.

“You’ve got to give them credit,” Moser said. “They were hitting 3s from everywhere. Patton Pinkins is one of the premier players in the country as a freshman. That kid is really good.”

Next, the Sooners will travel to face Mississippi State at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Humphrey Coliseum in Starkville, Mississippi on the SEC Network.

“Porter’s done a really good job,” Mississippi coach Chris Beard said. “Every story can’t be told in November or December. This Oklahoma team has a chance to write their own story. People need to understand this a team with one returning player. They’re getting better.”

Colton Sulley covers the Oklahoma Sooners for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Colton? He can be reached at csulley@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @colton_sulley. Support Colton’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.