NORMAN — OU head coach Porter Moser’s team can take a lot from its 87-85 loss to No. 1 Houston last Saturday night.

The Sooners’ offense was able to maintain a consistent rhythm, execute and knock down shots for the first time in weeks. Moser’s unit dropped the most points of any team that has faced the Cougars, which boasts the No. 1 scoring defense in the nation.

“We talked about wanting to play with pace and be shot ready,” Moser said Monday. “… We’ve got to be open and shot ready and not hesitate and I knew we had to do some things like that. I want to keep building on it. I want to play with pace and space. I thought we had great spacing, but we were shot ready. We were down and ready. I just was pouring into those guys with confidence and I'm going to keep continuing to do that.”

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Following an ugly  loss at Iowa State last Wednesday night where OU shot 15 for 46 from the field, including 17.6% from 3, Moser knew something needed to change. His staff worked tirelessly last week to create scoring opportunities and he was happy to see the execution finally coming to fruition in a tough conference game.

Houston coach Kelvin Sampson marveled at the Sooners’ shotmaking skills during his postgame press conference and was particularly impressed with senior guard Le’Tre Darthard who drilled five of his seven 3-point attempts off the bench.

OU’s spacing against such a staunch defensive team was impressive as its two primary guards — sophomore Milos Uzan and junior Javian McCollum — combined for 12 assists and just one turnover.

“We knew how they wanted to play defense,” McCollum said Monday. “We knew they would plug the ball, we knew that they would send two off the ball screens and our game plan was to get it out quick. They create turnovers from their defense, so we created offense off their aggressiveness. That’s what we focused on.”

The Sooners (19-10, 7-9 Big 12) will try to replicate that offensive showing against two of the best on-ball defenders in the country, Day Day Thomas and Jizzle James, when they face Cincinnati (17-12, 6-10) at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman.

“They are huge,” Moser said, “and they can really block shots and guard. They've been one of the best defensive teams in the country in our conference. They're really physical.”

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Senior night for OU basketball

Tuesday’s matchup also marks senior night for Le’Tre Darthard, Maks Klanjscek and Rivaldo Soares.

While senior nights are different during the era of the transfer portal with fewer players spending most of their eligibility at one school, Moser said the impact the three left on the program in one year has been strong.

“What you do want to get is guys that fit you and that believe in what you're doing,” Moser said. “And man, (Soares), Maks and Le’Tre have come in and done nothing but believe in everything we're doing. They haven't been about themselves and that's what's so good about them enjoying playing for Oklahoma. They came in and they really enjoyed this place and they really enjoyed this team and it's been about the team.”

Soares proved to be a significant portal pickup for Moser and has been OU’s most consistent player for about a month.

“With this being my last year, I’ve just been grateful for it,” Soares said Monday. “Especially with the group of guys that we have and the coaches. It just feels like a family and it feels like I picked the right place for my final year. It went by the quickest.”

Despite Moser saying he’s still not 100% healthy after injuring his ankle earlier this season, the Oregon transfer has started the last two games over Otega Oweh for the Sooners and flourished. Moser said he cherishes his relationship with Soares and hopes it will last a lifetime.

“He went through struggle, he was down, he was frustrated with starting at Oregon and then (coming off the bench here). And at one point, he just let it go and just became this ultra positive thing and I hope he carries that lesson the rest of his life. And it's a lesson for everybody in life, just to sometimes stop, let it go and focus on what you can do and he just focused on being positive.

“ … He started thinking about winning. He was like, “this is my last year.” It’s just been awesome seeing him do that. He’s literally been our most consistent player for a long time and definitely been one of our more energetic and passionate players. And man, he’s just really been valuable to us.”

Even though he has one year of eligibility remaining due to the COVID-19 pandemic, forward Sam Godwin will be recognized Tuesday night during the senior night festivities.

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Tournament outlook

ESPN insider Joe Lunardi’s next bracketology isn’t until Tuesday, but OU’s chances at making the NCAA Tournament would seem locked in if it defeats the Bearcats.

The Sooners were listed as a No. 8 seed before falling to Houston and have been universally projected to make the big dance. With 19 wins, OU is in good shape but one more Big 12 win would look impressive on the resume.

“It’s real exciting,” McCollum said of the postseason looming. “We’re still together, we’re still urgent and we still want to win.”

OU vs. Cincinnati

TIPOFF: 7 p.m. Tuesday at Lloyd Noble Center in Norman (ESPN+)

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU basketball aims to improve on its offensive play vs. Cincinnati