Blue Collar Oklahoma uses extended break to prepare for NCAA Tournament opener

Oklahoma had a two-week gap between games after a 112-78 loss to LSU in the SEC quarterfinals and used the time for focused practice under coach Jennie Baranczyk before facing Idaho in the NCAA Tournament at Lloyd Noble Center.

Oklahoma will meet Idaho in the NCAA Tournament late Friday night at Lloyd Noble Center after a two-week break between games. That gap followed a 112-78 loss to LSU in the SEC quarterfinals. Coach Jennie Baranczyk said the team used the week to decide how to respond and focused on improving rather than assigning blame. Baranczyk characterized the program as blue collar and noted players worked to address weaknesses ahead of the tournament. Key details: - The Sooners went about two weeks without a game following the SEC quarterfinal loss to LSU, which ended 112-78. - Baranczyk said the team spent the break focusing on practice and internal adjustments rather than projecting opponents. - Oklahoma is one of 10 SEC teams in the NCAA field, and five SEC teams earned top-four seeds and the right to host early rounds. - The program has had extended gaps between the conference tournament and NCAA opener for a second straight year after joining the SEC. - Baranczyk praised younger players such as Aaliyah Chavez and Brooklyn Stewart for putting in extra work during the week, and noted veteran players emphasized experience and minute-to-minute focus. - The Sooners have played a combined 15 games over the last two seasons against teams in the current AP top nine, and OU entered the poll at No. 10 in the article. Summary: The team used the extended break to emphasize practice, accountability, and incremental improvement ahead of the NCAA opener. Oklahoma will play Idaho late Friday at Lloyd Noble Center, and the program enters the game after a period of focused preparation.