Report: Oklahoma State, OU finalize deal for Bedlam rivalry game in Oklahoma City
Conference realignment can’t stop Bedlam.
Oklahoma and Oklahoma State have reportedly finalized a contract to play the annual in-state rivalry game during the 2024-25 college basketball season. The game will be held on Dec. 14 in Oklahoma City.
The two sides had reportedly come together in June to discuss a potential matchup, and Oklahoma State men’s basketball coach Steve Lutz told CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein that he game is slated to be played at the Paycom Center. At the time, not contract had been drawn up but it appears both sides have stayed true to their word and Bedlam will be back once again for at least the 2024-25 season.
While no official announcement on the matchup has been announced as of this report, Oklahoma State AD Chad Weiberg did mention this could be an annual series between the two squads.
Lutz and Oklahoma coach Porter Moser had both previously expressed interest in keeping the rivalry alive with the Sooners headed to the SEC. After all, Bedlam basketball has been played at least once every year dating back to 1916, or for 108 consecutive years.
Now that the Sooners have moved on to the SEC, there was a fear that perhaps the Bedlam rivalry wouldn’t be able to continue on an annual basis moving forward. While a game on the football field hasn’t been finalized between the schools, the game on the hardwood continues for at least one more year.
The last meeting between the two squads as Big 12 rivals came on Feb. 24 in Stillwater as the Sooners took home the victory 84-82 after junior Javian McCollum buried a game-winning 3-point basket as time expired to stun the crowd inside Gallagher-Iba Arena.
Oklahoma State led 38-30 at halftime, but a 14-point performance by McCollum backed by a 20 senior Rivaldo Soares after missing the previous game with an ankle injury.
The Sooners also defeated the Cowboys in Norman earlier in the season as well, sending Oklahoma State back to Stillwater with a 66-62 loss.
While Oklahoma swept the season series last year, the Cowboys and Sooners met three times during the 2022-23 season, seeing Oklahoma State win all three outings by an average of 11.6 points per game.
Heading into 2024, Oklahoma owns a 143-107 all-time lead in the Bedlam basketball series.