Norman, Okla. ? Freshman Lawrence McKenzie hit a pair of free throws with 21.4 seconds left and Jaison Williams made a steal on the next possession, helping Oklahoma avert a loss that would have been disastrous to its NCAA Tournament hopes with a 46-41 victory Saturday over Baylor.

Oklahoma (18-9, 8-8 Big 12 Conference) probably still needs a win or two in next week’s Big 12 tournament to clinch an at-large berth to the NCAA Tournament.

The Sooners almost lost to the Bears (8-21, 3-13), who have only seven scholarship players, despite forcing 18 turnovers and outrebounding them 36-24.

Freshman Drew Lavender led the Sooners with 10 points.

Baylor (8-21, 3-13) ended it painful season here because of self-imposed penalties stemming from major NCAA violations under former coach Dave Bliss.