Oklahoma Sooners Face West Virginia Mountaineers in College Basketball Crown Championship

The Oklahoma Sooners (21-15) are set to compete against the West Virginia Mountaineers (20-14) in the College Basketball Crown Championship on Sunday, April 5, 2026. The game will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, with tipoff scheduled for 4:30 p.m. CT (5:30 p.m. ET). This championship marks the conclusion of the second edition of the College Basketball Crown, a postseason tournament featuring eight teams competing for a monetary prize linked to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals.

The Oklahoman

The College Basketball Crown debuted in 2025 and includes teams such as Oklahoma, Colorado, Baylor, Minnesota, Stanford, West Virginia, Creighton, and Rutgers. The tournament format is knockout-style, consisting of three rounds. In the semifinals, Oklahoma secured their spot in the championship by defeating Baylor 82-69, while West Virginia advanced by overcoming Creighton 87-70.

The Oklahoman

Oklahoma and West Virginia have a storied rivalry, having faced each other 28 times, with Oklahoma leading the series 18-10. The teams have met in various midseason tournament events, with their most recent significant matchup occurring in 2023, where West Virginia won decisively 93-61. Historically, Oklahoma has dominated the rivalry, winning eight of the last nine encounters.

247Sports

Fans can watch the championship game on FOX, with announcers Tim Brando, Jim Jackson, and Allison Williams providing coverage. For those unable to watch, a live radio stream will be available, featuring Tony Caridi and Brad Howe. Additionally, the game can be streamed online via Fubo, which offers a free trial.

The Oklahoman

As of April 5, West Virginia opened as three-point underdogs in the matchup, with the over/under set at 137.5 points. These odds reflect the competitive nature of the game, highlighting the anticipation surrounding this championship clash.

247Sports

Coach Porter Moser of Oklahoma expressed gratitude for the support received throughout the tournament, emphasizing the team's focus on the championship. Meanwhile, West Virginia's coach Greg McDermott, in his final game, is expected to lead his team with a strong strategy to secure a victory.

The Oklahoman

While both teams have shown strong performances leading up to the championship, some analysts have raised concerns about West Virginia's consistency throughout the season. Critics argue that despite their recent success, the Mountaineers may struggle against a well-rounded Oklahoma team that has demonstrated resilience in high-pressure situations.

247Sports

The outcome of the championship will not only determine the winner of the College Basketball Crown but also influence the future trajectories of both programs as they prepare for the upcoming season. The game is anticipated to be a pivotal moment for both teams, with implications for recruiting and team dynamics moving forward.

The Oklahoman