Sooners Celebrate Senior Day with Victory over Texas Tech Red Raiders

The University of Oklahoma Sooners celebrated their senior day in style, defeating the Texas Tech Red Raiders in a thrilling matchup at the Lloyd Noble Center. The Sooners, who were determined to send their graduating players off with a victory, put on a display of skill, teamwork, and resilience, showcasing the qualities that have made them one of the top programs in the Big 12 Conference.

Before the game, the Sooners honored their senior class, which included forward Kristian Doolittle, guard Austin Reaves, and center Kur Kuath. These three players have been instrumental in the Sooners’ success over the past four years, providing leadership, scoring, and a strong presence on both ends of the court. As they took the floor for their final regular-season home game, the crowd erupted in applause, acknowledging the contributions these young men have made to the program.

From the opening tip, it was clear that the Sooners were fired up and ready to compete. Doolittle, who has been a consistent scorer and rebounder throughout his career, set the tone early, scoring the Sooners’ first six points and grabbing several key rebounds. His energy and intensity were contagious, as his teammates fed off his performance and began to find their own rhythm.

As the first half progressed, the Sooners began to build a lead, thanks in large part to the hot shooting of Reaves. The senior guard, who transferred to Oklahoma from Wichita State, has been a revelation for the Sooners this season, providing a scoring punch and a steady presence in the backcourt. Against the Red Raiders, Reaves was at his best, knocking down three-pointers and attacking the basket with confidence, finishing the half with 15 points.

On the defensive end, the Sooners were equally impressive, forcing the Red Raiders into tough shots and limiting their opportunities in the paint. Kuath, who has developed into one of the top shot-blockers in the conference, was a force in the middle, altering shots and providing a intimidating presence that made it difficult for the Red Raiders to find a consistent offensive rhythm.

As the second half began, the Red Raiders made a push to get back into the game, cutting into the Sooners’ lead and putting pressure on the home team to respond. However, the Sooners showed their resilience and their determination, weathering the storm and finding ways to maintain their advantage.

One of the key moments of the second half came when sophomore guard De’Vion Harmon, who has emerged as a rising star for the Sooners, took over the game with a series of clutch baskets and defensive plays. Harmon, who finished with 18 points and four steals, provided a spark off the bench and helped the Sooners maintain their lead during a crucial stretch of the game.

As the minutes ticked away, the Sooners continued to execute their game plan, moving the ball on offense and locking down on defense. Doolittle, who finished with a game-high 22 points and 10 rebounds, continued to be a force on both ends of the court, while Reaves and Kuath provided key contributions down the stretch.

In the end, the Sooners emerged victorious, defeating the Red Raiders by a score of 78-70. The win was a testament to the Sooners’ resilience, their determination, and their ability to rise to the occasion when the stakes were highest. For the seniors, it was a fitting way to end their regular-season careers at the Lloyd Noble Center, and a reminder of the impact they have had on the program over the past four years.

As the Sooners look ahead to the postseason, they will undoubtedly rely on the leadership and experience of their senior class to guide them to success. With Doolittle, Reaves, and Kuath setting the tone, and a talented group of underclassmen following their lead, the Sooners have the potential to make a deep run in the Big 12 Tournament and beyond.

For head coach Lon Kruger, who has led the Sooners to six NCAA Tournament appearances in his nine seasons at the helm, the win was a validation of the culture he has built within the program. By emphasizing hard work, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence, Kruger has created an environment in which players can thrive both on and off the court, and the success of this year’s senior class is a testament to that approach.

As the Sooners celebrate their victory and look ahead to the challenges that await them, they can take pride in the fact that they have built something special in Norman. With a roster filled with talent, experience, and character, and a coaching staff that knows how to get the most out of their players, the Sooners have everything they need to succeed at the highest levels of college basketball.

And for the seniors who took the court for the final time at the Lloyd Noble Center, the win was a fitting way to end their regular-season careers. By leaving everything they had on the floor and playing with the heart and determination that has defined their time at Oklahoma, they have set an example for the younger players to follow, and ensured that their legacy will live on long after they have graduated.

In the end, the Sooners’ victory over the Red Raiders was more than just a win on senior day. It was a celebration of everything that makes college basketball great: the passion, the dedication, and the sense of family that binds a team together. And for the Sooners, it was a reminder that, no matter what challenges they face in the weeks and months to come, they have the talent, the character, and the resolve to meet them head-on and come out on top.

Sooners Sit in Sixth Place Halfway Through Augusta Invitational

The University of Oklahoma men’s golf team finds itself in sixth place after the first two rounds of the prestigious Augusta Invitational, held at the renowned Forest Hills Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. The Sooners, who entered the tournament ranked No. 8 in the nation, have showcased their skills and resilience on the challenging course, positioning themselves for a strong finish in the final round.

The Augusta Invitational, which features some of the top collegiate golf programs in the country, is known for its demanding layout and fast, undulating greens. The Sooners, who have a rich history of success in the sport, arrived in Augusta with high expectations and a determination to compete at the highest level.

Leading the way for the Sooners after 36 holes is senior Quade Cummins, who finds himself in a tie for seventh place individually. Cummins, a two-time All-American and the reigning Big 12 Player of the Year, has been a model of consistency throughout the tournament, posting rounds of 70 and 71 to sit at 3-under par. His steady play and leadership have been crucial to the Sooners’ success, as he continues to demonstrate why he is one of the top collegiate golfers in the nation.

Joining Cummins in the top 20 is junior Jonathan Brightwell, who sits in a tie for 18th place at 1-under par. Brightwell, who hails from Charlotte, North Carolina, has been a key contributor for the Sooners throughout the season, regularly posting low scores and providing a spark to the lineup. His rounds of 72 and 69 in Augusta have showcased his skill and mental toughness, as he has navigated the challenging course with poise and precision.

Sophomore Logan McAllister finds himself in a tie for 29th place after rounds of 73 and 71, sitting at even par for the tournament. McAllister, who burst onto the scene as a freshman last year, has continued to develop his game and emerge as a reliable presence in the Sooners’ lineup. His ability to bounce back from adversity and maintain his focus has been evident throughout the tournament, as he has battled through tough stretches and posted solid scores.

Rounding out the Sooners’ lineup are senior Garett Reband and freshman Ben Lorenz, who sit in a tie for 43rd and 58th place, respectively. Reband, a steady presence in the Sooners’ lineup throughout his career, posted rounds of 74 and 73 to sit at 3-over par, while Lorenz, competing in his first Augusta Invitational, posted rounds of 76 and 73 to sit at 5-over par. While both players have faced challenges on the demanding course, their resilience and determination have been evident, as they have continued to fight for every shot and contribute to the Sooners’ team score.

As a team, the Sooners have posted rounds of 289 and 284, sitting at 3-over par for the tournament. While they currently find themselves 10 shots behind the leader, No. 2 Oklahoma State, the Sooners remain within striking distance and will look to make a move in the final round. With a roster filled with talented and experienced players, the Sooners have the depth and the firepower to climb the leaderboard and challenge for the title.

Head coach Ryan Hybl, who has led the Sooners to three national championships during his tenure, remains optimistic about his team’s chances heading into the final round. “I’m proud of the way our guys have competed these past two days,” Hybl said. “This is a tough course that demands precision and mental toughness, and our guys have shown both of those qualities in spades. We know we have some ground to make up, but I’m confident that we have the talent and the determination to do just that.”

For the Sooners, the Augusta Invitational represents an important test as they prepare for the postseason. With the Big 12 Championship and the NCAA Championship on the horizon, the Sooners will look to use their performance in Augusta as a springboard to success in the coming weeks. By continuing to rely on their depth, their mental toughness, and their commitment to excellence, the Sooners have the potential to achieve great things and cement their status as one of the premier golf programs in the country.

As the final round of the Augusta Invitational approaches, the Sooners will undoubtedly rely on the leadership and experience of their upperclassmen to guide them to success. With Quade Cummins and Jonathan Brightwell setting the tone at the top of the lineup, and Logan McAllister, Garett Reband, and Ben Lorenz providing solid contributions throughout, the Sooners have the talent and the depth to make a run at the title.

Regardless of the outcome in Augusta, the Sooners can take pride in their performance and their resilience on one of the most challenging courses in the country. By continuing to build on their success and their commitment to excellence, the Sooners have the potential to achieve great things in the coming weeks and beyond, and to leave a lasting legacy on the sport of collegiate golf.

As the final round unfolds, the eyes of the college golf world will undoubtedly be on the Sooners, as they look to make a statement and prove that they belong among the elite programs in the nation. With a roster filled with talent, experience, and determination, the Sooners have everything they need to succeed, and to etch their names into the history books of this prestigious tournament.

Eight Sooners Named CGA Regular Season All-Americans in Men’s Gymnastics

The University of Oklahoma men’s gymnastics team continues to demonstrate its dominance in the sport, as eight Sooners have been named Regular Season All-Americans by the College Gymnastics Association (CGA). This prestigious honor recognizes the top gymnasts in the country based on their performances throughout the regular season, and the Sooners’ strong representation on the list is a testament to the program’s depth, talent, and commitment to excellence.

Leading the way for the Sooners is senior Yul Moldauer, who earned All-America honors on all six events as well as in the all-around. Moldauer, a three-time NCAA champion and a member of the U.S. National Team, has been a standout performer for the Sooners throughout his career, consistently posting high scores and setting the standard for his teammates. His inclusion on the All-America list is a fitting tribute to his remarkable achievements and his leadership both on and off the competition floor.

Joining Moldauer as an All-American on multiple events is junior Gage Dyer, who earned honors on floor exercise, still rings, and parallel bars. Dyer has emerged as one of the Sooners’ most consistent and reliable performers this season, regularly contributing high scores and providing a steady presence in the lineup. His success is a testament to his hard work and dedication, as well as the guidance and support of the Sooners’ coaching staff.

Sophomore Vitaliy Guimaraes also earned multiple All-America honors, being recognized on pommel horse and parallel bars. Guimaraes, who hails from Brazil, has quickly established himself as one of the top young gymnasts in the country, showcasing his skill and artistry on two of the most challenging events in the sport. His inclusion on the All-America list is a sign of his immense potential and the bright future that lies ahead for him and the Sooners’ program.

Senior Matt Wenske earned All-America honors on pommel horse, an event on which he has been a specialist throughout his career. Wenske’s consistency and technical proficiency on the apparatus have made him a valuable asset to the Sooners’ lineup, and his recognition as an All-American is a fitting way to cap off his impressive collegiate career.

Freshman Zach Nunez made an immediate impact in his first season with the Sooners, earning All-America honors on floor exercise. Nunez’s dynamic tumbling and engaging presence on the floor have made him a fan favorite and a rising star in the sport, and his inclusion on the All-America list is a promising sign of things to come for the talented young gymnast.

Rounding out the Sooners’ All-Americans are senior Alexei Vernyi on vault, senior Genki Suzuki on high bar, and junior Fuzzy Benas on high bar. Each of these gymnasts has made significant contributions to the Sooners’ success this season, providing strong performances and leadership in their respective events. Their recognition as All-Americans is a fitting reward for their hard work and dedication to their craft.

The Sooners’ impressive showing on the All-America list is a reflection of the program’s commitment to excellence and its ability to develop talented gymnasts year after year. Under the guidance of head coach Mark Williams, who has led the Sooners to nine national championships during his tenure, the program has become a perennial powerhouse in the sport, consistently producing top-level gymnasts and competing for titles at the highest levels.

The success of the Sooners’ All-Americans is also a testament to the culture of support and camaraderie that exists within the program. From the coaching staff to the athletic trainers to the gymnasts themselves, everyone involved with Oklahoma men’s gymnastics is committed to helping each other succeed and reach their full potential. This sense of shared purpose and mutual respect has been a key factor in the Sooners’ ongoing success and has helped create an environment in which gymnasts can thrive both athletically and personally.

As the Sooners look ahead to the postseason, they will undoubtedly rely on the leadership and talent of their All-Americans to help guide them to success. With a deep and experienced roster, a proven coaching staff, and a culture of excellence that permeates every aspect of the program, the Sooners are well-positioned to make a run at another national championship and cement their status as one of the most dominant programs in the history of collegiate gymnastics.

For the eight Sooners who earned All-America honors, this recognition is a validation of their hard work, dedication, and talent. It is a testament to the countless hours they have spent in the gym, honing their skills and pushing themselves to be the best they can be. And it is a reminder of the incredible support and resources they have access to as members of the Oklahoma men’s gymnastics program, which has a long and storied history of producing champions both on and off the competition floor.

As these eight gymnasts continue to represent the University of Oklahoma with pride and distinction, they serve as an inspiration to aspiring gymnasts everywhere, demonstrating the power of hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence. And as the Sooners continue to chase their dreams of another national championship, they can take pride in knowing that they have some of the very best gymnasts in the country leading the way.

Sooners Secure Second Place at MPSF Men’s Gymnastics Championship

The University of Oklahoma men’s gymnastics team put on an impressive display of skill and determination at the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) Championship, ultimately finishing second in a highly competitive field. The Sooners, who have a rich history of success in the sport, showcased their depth and talent across all six events, proving once again that they are a force to be reckoned with in collegiate gymnastics.

The competition, held at the University of California, Berkeley, featured some of the top men’s gymnastics programs in the country, including Stanford, Cal, and the Air Force Academy. The Sooners entered the tournament as one of the favorites, having consistently ranked among the top teams in the nation throughout the regular season.

From the opening rotation, it was clear that the Sooners had come to compete. On the floor exercise, senior Gage Dyer set the tone with a dynamic and precise routine that earned him a score of 14.500. His teammates followed suit, with sophomore Fuzzy Benas and junior Vitaliy Guimaraes both posting scores above 14.000, helping the Sooners establish an early lead.

As the competition progressed, the Sooners continued to showcase their prowess on each apparatus. On the pommel horse, an event that has historically been a strength for Oklahoma, sophomore Zach Nunez delivered a smooth and controlled routine, earning a score of 14.200. Senior Matt Wenske, a specialist on the event, anchored the lineup with a score of 14.600, solidifying the Sooners’ position near the top of the leaderboard.

The still rings provided an opportunity for the Sooners to display their strength and stability, and they did not disappoint. Junior Gage Dyer, who has been a consistent performer on the event all season, executed a difficult routine with precision, earning a score of 14.400. Freshman Ragan Smith, competing in his first MPSF Championship, showed poise beyond his years, posting a score of 14.100 and demonstrating the depth of the Sooners’ roster.

As the tournament reached its halfway point, the Sooners found themselves in a tight battle with Stanford for the top spot. The Cardinal, who have won the MPSF Championship a record 17 times, were not going to relinquish their title easily. However, the Sooners remained focused and composed, determined to push themselves to the limit on every routine.

On the vault, an event that requires a combination of power and finesse, the Sooners showcased their explosiveness. Senior Alexei Vernyi, who has been a standout on the event throughout his career, delivered a massive vault that earned him a score of 14.800, the highest of the day on any event. His teammates, including sophomore Levi Anderson and junior Jack Freeman, also posted strong scores, helping the Sooners maintain their position near the top of the standings.

Heading into the final two events, the parallel bars and the high bar, the Sooners knew that they would need to be at their best to have a chance at the title. On the parallel bars, junior Spencer Goodell led the way with a score of 14.300, showcasing his strength and precision on the apparatus. Senior David Sandro, competing in his final MPSF Championship, delivered a clutch performance, earning a score of 14.200 and keeping the Sooners’ hopes alive.

On the high bar, the final event of the competition, the Sooners needed a strong performance to seal their place on the podium. Sophomore Tanner Justus, who has been a revelation on the event this season, delivered a thrilling routine packed with difficult releases and stuck landings, earning a score of 14.600. His teammates, including senior Cameron Bock and sophomore Bennet Huang, also stepped up under pressure, posting scores above 14.000 and giving the Sooners a chance at the title.

In the end, despite a valiant effort from the Sooners, Stanford managed to hold on to their lead, finishing with a team score of 420.500. The Sooners, who posted a score of 418.700, finished second, just ahead of Cal who placed third with a score of 416.900. While the Sooners may have fallen just short of their ultimate goal, their performance at the MPSF Championship was a testament to their resilience, skill, and dedication to their craft.

Head coach Mark Williams, who has led the Sooners to four national championships during his tenure, praised his team’s effort and sportsmanship. “I’m incredibly proud of our guys,” Williams said. “They gave it their all today and left everything on the floor. While we may not have come away with the title, we showed that we can compete with the best teams in the country, and that’s something to be proud of.”

For the Sooners, the second-place finish at the MPSF Championship is a stepping stone towards their ultimate goal of winning a national title. With a roster filled with talented underclassmen and experienced veterans, the Sooners have the depth and the drive to make a run at the NCAA Championships later this month.

As the Sooners look ahead to the future, they can take pride in their performance at the MPSF Championship and use it as motivation to continue pushing themselves to new heights. With a culture of excellence and a commitment to their craft, the Sooners have established themselves as one of the premier men’s gymnastics programs in the country, and their second-place finish at the MPSF Championship is just the latest example of their ongoing success.