NORMAN – Oklahoma men's basketball is set to return to Lloyd Noble Center on Nov. 25 when the Sooners open the 2020-21 season against UTSA. OU unveiled its seven-game non-conference schedule on Thursday that features marquee home matchups against Florida and Alabama along with true road games at Xavier and UCF.
"We're grateful for the opportunity to begin competing again and are excited for the matchups on our schedule," said Kruger. "Mike Shepherd and Joe Castiglione have done a phenomenal job in scheduling these games while also developing protocols for player and fan safety during these challenging times. While some things may look different this season, one constant is how tough the Big 12 will continue to be. We believe this set of games will prepare our team for the depth and challenge of the Big 12."
The Sooners begin the season on Wednesday, Nov. 25 when they host UTSA at Lloyd Noble Center. Coached by long-time Kruger assistant Steve Henson, the Roadrunners are facing the Sooners for the fourth consecutive season.
Oklahoma then travels to Orlando for its first road trip of the year, facing UCF at Addition Financial Arena on Saturday, Nov. 28. The two teams squared off last season in Norman with the Sooners pulling off a one-point victory.
Returning to Norman, the Sooners will host Florida on Wednesday, Dec. 2, in the first installment of a home-and-home series. Oklahoma and Florida have faced off on three previous occasions, including twice in the last four years. The Gators own a 2-1 advantage in the series while the Sooners won the most recent matchup – a 65-60 victory in the 2019 Battle 4 Atlantis.
Kruger coached the Gators from 1990 to 1996, racking up a record of 104-80 and leading UF to the 1994 Final Four. The Sooners' return game to Florida in 2021 will be Kruger's first time back in Gainesville as an opposing head coach.
OU is back on the road when it heads to Cincinnati, Ohio, to face Xavier in the Big 12/Big East Battle on Dec. 9. Oklahoma is 2-0 all-time against the Musketeers, last facing Xavier in the second round of the 2002 NCAA Tournament on its way to the Final Four.
Oklahoma also hosts a pair of Saturday games against Florida A&M (Dec. 12) and Houston Baptist (Dec. 19).
Rounding out OU's non-conference slate is a matchup with Alabama in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge. The Sooners will host the Crimson Tide on Saturday, Jan. 30.
Oklahoma's final schedule, with conference games, tip times and TV information, will be revealed on a later date.
OU officials are continuing to work closely with top medical experts to ensure they are making decisions that are in the best interest of student-athletes, stakeholders and the university. At this moment, OU is anticipating the seating capacity of Lloyd Noble Center to be at approximately 25% for the 2020-21 season. Seating capacities are subject to change.
Sooner Club members and season ticket holders will receive email communication in the coming days providing them an opportunity to opt in for tickets for the upcoming season. Fans interested in becoming a season ticket holder should submit an interest form on SoonerSports.com.
Full details on gameday procedures for the 2020-21 season will be announced soon.
"We're grateful for the opportunity to begin competing again and are excited for the matchups on our schedule," said Kruger. "Mike Shepherd and Joe Castiglione have done a phenomenal job in scheduling these games while also developing protocols for player and fan safety during these challenging times. While some things may look different this season, one constant is how tough the Big 12 will continue to be. We believe this set of games will prepare our team for the depth and challenge of the Big 12."
The Sooners begin the season on Wednesday, Nov. 25 when they host UTSA at Lloyd Noble Center. Coached by long-time Kruger assistant Steve Henson, the Roadrunners are facing the Sooners for the fourth consecutive season.
Oklahoma then travels to Orlando for its first road trip of the year, facing UCF at Addition Financial Arena on Saturday, Nov. 28. The two teams squared off last season in Norman with the Sooners pulling off a one-point victory.
Returning to Norman, the Sooners will host Florida on Wednesday, Dec. 2, in the first installment of a home-and-home series. Oklahoma and Florida have faced off on three previous occasions, including twice in the last four years. The Gators own a 2-1 advantage in the series while the Sooners won the most recent matchup – a 65-60 victory in the 2019 Battle 4 Atlantis.
Kruger coached the Gators from 1990 to 1996, racking up a record of 104-80 and leading UF to the 1994 Final Four. The Sooners' return game to Florida in 2021 will be Kruger's first time back in Gainesville as an opposing head coach.
OU is back on the road when it heads to Cincinnati, Ohio, to face Xavier in the Big 12/Big East Battle on Dec. 9. Oklahoma is 2-0 all-time against the Musketeers, last facing Xavier in the second round of the 2002 NCAA Tournament on its way to the Final Four.
Oklahoma also hosts a pair of Saturday games against Florida A&M (Dec. 12) and Houston Baptist (Dec. 19).
Rounding out OU's non-conference slate is a matchup with Alabama in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge. The Sooners will host the Crimson Tide on Saturday, Jan. 30.
Oklahoma's final schedule, with conference games, tip times and TV information, will be revealed on a later date.
OU officials are continuing to work closely with top medical experts to ensure they are making decisions that are in the best interest of student-athletes, stakeholders and the university. At this moment, OU is anticipating the seating capacity of Lloyd Noble Center to be at approximately 25% for the 2020-21 season. Seating capacities are subject to change.
Sooner Club members and season ticket holders will receive email communication in the coming days providing them an opportunity to opt in for tickets for the upcoming season. Fans interested in becoming a season ticket holder should submit an interest form on SoonerSports.com.
Full details on gameday procedures for the 2020-21 season will be announced soon.
