Oklahoma's men's basketball team did not make the NCAA Tournament field announced on Sunday evening, and later issued a statement saying they have declined a bid to the National Invitation Tournament.
The Sooners were listed as the "first team out" when the NCAA Tournament field of 68 was announced.
OU would have automatically received a bid to the NIT based on their NET ranking, but Sooner coach Porter Moser announced they have declined the bid.
Moser's comment is as follows:
"First and foremost, I loved coaching this group of young men and standing with them as they battled night after night. They showed incredible resiliency, love for one another and a passion to win.
I am devastated for these young men who were left out of the NCAA Tournament, despite having a resume' and metrics worthy of being in the field. At a later time, I will have more to say about our body of work and the selection process.
Collectively, in consultation with our athletes, staff and administration, we have respectfully declined an invitation to participate in the NIT. This decision, though difficult, was made with the well-being of our student-athletes as the top priority.
I will be in the community and at other University of Oklahoma events and you will hear me say this many times, but THANK YOU OU students, Sooner Nation, and all our fans for your incredible support this season. You are the reason the University of Oklahoma is so special."
Boomer Sooner,
Porter Moser.
Oklahoma finished the season 20-12, the first time the Sooners have won 20 games prior to the NCAA Tournament but not made the field.
