The Oklahoma Sooners men’s basketball team is focusing on improving their rebounding performance following a challenging 75-68 loss to Texas A&M, where they were outrebounded 47-19. This disparity included conceding 21 offensive rebounds to the Aggies. ([si.com](https://www.si.com/college/oklahoma/men-s-basketball/ou-basketball-oklahoma-looking-to-address-rebounding-struggles-ahead-of-vandy-01jjzm926tvs?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
In preparation for their upcoming game against the Vanderbilt Commodores, Sooners head coach Porter Moser addressed the rebounding issue by discussing individual defensive rebound percentages with his starters during practice. Alarmingly, three starters recorded a 0% defensive rebound percentage in the previous game. ([oklahoman.com](https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/college/sooners/2025/01/31/ou-basketball-rebounding-issues-vanderbilt-game/78095557007/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Coach Moser emphasized the importance of collective responsibility, stating, “We’ve got to keep having five guys take ownership.” He highlighted that the problem was not solely about boxing out but also about securing “trench rebounds”—those contested in the paint where physicality is crucial. ([oklahoman.com](https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/college/sooners/2025/01/31/ou-basketball-rebounding-issues-vanderbilt-game/78095557007/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Despite the rebounding struggles, the Sooners showcased strengths in other areas against Texas A&M. They outshot the Aggies from both the field and the three-point line and recorded 19 assists compared to the Aggies’ nine. Freshman guard Dayton Forsythe noted, “They got us on the glass but we did a lot of other things really well to be in that game.” ([oklahoman.com](https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/college/sooners/2025/01/31/ou-basketball-rebounding-issues-vanderbilt-game/78095557007/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Looking ahead, the Sooners will host the No. 24 ranked Vanderbilt Commodores at the Lloyd Noble Center. Vanderbilt enters the matchup with momentum, having won three of their last four games, including an upset victory over No. 12 Kentucky. ([heartland-sports.com](https://heartland-sports.com/2025/02/01/must-win-matchup-oklahoma-sooners-basketball-host-no-24-vanderbilt-in-crucial-sec-clash/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
The Commodores are known for their fast-paced offense, which presents a new challenge for the Sooners. Coach Moser acknowledged Vanderbilt’s uptempo style and the need for his team to be prepared for a high-energy game. ([heartland-sports.com](https://heartland-sports.com/2025/02/01/must-win-matchup-oklahoma-sooners-basketball-host-no-24-vanderbilt-in-crucial-sec-clash/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
For the Sooners, addressing the rebounding issue is paramount. Improved physicality and securing rebounds will be essential to limit Vanderbilt’s second-chance opportunities and to capitalize on their own offensive possessions. As the team continues to refine its approach, the focus remains on translating practice adjustments into game-day performance to achieve a favorable outcome against the Commodores.
