
FT. WORTH0- The last time the Oklahoma Sooners took the floor, they left their home arena in stunned silence. Today, they were able to treat the TCU Horned Frogs to the same feeling on their own senior night.
Down by as many as 20 points, the Sooners roared all the way back to end their season on a high note.
Slow starts by Kristian Doolittle and Brady Manek were erased by great play down the stretch, but it was forward Austin Reaves who truly would get the spotlight.
Reaves posted a career high against the Horned Frogs, capped off by the go ahead jumper as time expired.
Here are a few takeaways from Oklahoma’s huge comeback.
Reaves saves his best for last
After struggling for a majority of conference play, Reaves’ masterclass powered Oklahoma’s unlikely comeback.
The only bright spot for most of the game, Reaves finished with 41 points on 12-of-23 shooting. On top of the huge scoring output, he added five rebounds and six assists, reminding Sooner fans of the talent he flashed during non-conference play.
Now four straight 20 point performances for Reaves, Oklahoma will be a tough out in the tournaments ahead if he can maintain this level of play.
Sooners somehow finish third in the Big 12
Headed into the game, the stakes were simple for Oklahoma.
Beat the Horned Frogs, and they would finish the third seed and earn a bye in the Big 12 Tournament.
Regardless of how they got there, Oklahoma took care of business and earned a bye in Kansas City.
Tournament hopes on solid ground
Selection Sunday should no longer be a stressful affair for the Sooners.
Entering the game, Joe Lunardi had the Sooners slotted as in the tournament as one of the last four byes. The win against the Horned Frogs will only help Oklahoma’s case.
After an up and down conference slate, the Sooners will be able to stand tall as the third place finisher in one of the best conferences in the country.
From here on out, Oklahoma is just playing to move up the bracket. A conference tournament run will hopefully land the Sooners closer to home in a more favorable matchup. And if Reaves and Doolittle can keep up their level of play, nobody will want to face the Sooners in tournament play.
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