Taking on the top ranked Baylor Bears on the road, the Oklahoma Sooners upset bid fell short. Down by two with five second on the shot clock, Kristian Doolittle buckled down on defense. Receiving a bit of help, the group forced a turnover and quickly pushed the ball up the court.
Putting the ball in De’Vion Harmon’s hands, the freshman began to survey every option. Working toward Austin Reaves, the shooter found himself on one side of the court without a defender in sight. Sticking his hands up in the air while continuing to the corner, the guard received the pass. Planting his feet, Reaves let go of the shot as those in attendance held their breath.
Clanging off the iron, the potential game winning shot missed the mark leaving 3.5 seconds on the clock in regulation. Immediately a look of disappointment came over Reaves as the Bears perfect conference record remained intact.
On the evening, the two programs proved this league prides itself on defense. Shooting a combined 35% from the floor, wins are difficult to come by — even more so on the road. However, the Big 12 is making a case for the toughest conference in the nation. Could it produce a National Champion this season?