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.