Future of Bedlam Basketball After Saturday Remains Unknown
Oklahoma State’s rival is leaving the Big 12, and football is far from the only sport affected.
The Bedlam series came to an end in football in November, and the series will soon play its last scheduled matchup in men’s basketball. On Saturday, OSU hosts Oklahoma in the last regular season matchup as conference opponents.
Although a Big 12 Tournament matchup is still possible, the contest in Gallagher-Iba Arena will be filled with emotions. Despite OU’s upcoming move to the SEC, coach Porter Moser is optimistic about the rivalry's future.
“I personally don’t think this is the last time we play,” Moser said.
With nonconference scheduling in college basketball much easier to adjust than football, the possibility of a continued series between the teams is high if both sides are interested.
OSU is playing its best basketball since Big 12 play began, while OU enters on a two-game losing streak. With the Sooners looking to make the NCAA Tournament, this game is vital for them. Meanwhile, the Cowboys will look to play spoiler as they have in the series before.
OU leads the series 140-107, but OSU has got the best of its rival in recent history. After losing the final seven matchups in the Travis Ford era, OSU has won 11 of the past 17 games in the series.
With Mike Boynton on the hot seat, another Bedlam win to add to his 9-6 record against OU could go a long way in keeping him in Stillwater. A win would be fitting, considering his most memorable game as head coach was his first Bedlam win.
In his first season as the head coach in 2018, Boynton’s Cowboys upset No. 4 Oklahoma, led by future NBA star Trae Young. The Cowboys overcame Young’s 48 points to get an 83-81 win in overtime.
Although OSU lost the first Bedlam matchup this season, it fought hard and nearly took the game in Norman. Saturday’s matchup is in Stillwater, where OSU has won six of the past seven meetings.
Much like football and other sports, the future of the men’s basketball matchup is unknown. But the players and fans are sure to give a proper send-off to the series this weekend.
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Ivan is a sports media student at Oklahoma State University. He has covered OSU athletics since 2022 and also covers the OKC Thunder for Inside The Thunder and Thunderous Intentions.