Sooners Blast Their Way Into the Elite 8.

A victory over the Syracuse Orange, 84-71, has officially propelled the Oklahoma Sooners into the Elite Eight.

The Orange never had an answer for the combined scoring efforts of OU's Blake Griffin and Tony Crocker.

Griffin had 30 points and 14 rebounds added to his extensive resume last night. He became the first player since 1969's Mike Maloy of Davidson to record 25 points and 10 rebounds in the first rounds of the NCAA tournament.

Crocker also contributed 28 points to the sooners ending score of 84, overcoming his previous slump of only scoring eight in the first two rounds.

Syracuse appeared to have come out too relaxed for their own good, missing their first 10 3-pointer attempts and ending the game 7 for 24. They also let the ball slip from their hands into the Sooners' 18 times.

There are some slight qualms in the Sooner Nation over the health of Blake Griffin, who came down favoring his noggin after banging it on the backboard during a dunk. We will see if that has any effect on the OU forward when the Sooners move on to play the University of North Carolina Tar Heels Sunday at 5:05 EST.

The Orange's Jonny Flynn led his team with 22 points despite playing in the second half with a back bruise after a block attempt gone sour against Blake Griffin.

Stay Tuned....

Sooners Feeling Sweet

The man in the picture is the talk of the town around here in Norman.

The Oklahoma Sooners will advance to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2003 after a great weekend.

OU handily defeated the number 15-seed Morgan State Bears 82-54 and Blake Griffin still managed to get beat up after being flipped onto his back by Morgan State Player Ameer Ali. Apart from a bent-out-of-shape tailbone, though, he was still the man of the night in the Sooner's next game against number 10-seed Michigan.

The Sooners defeated the Wolverines 73-63 in a game that was only decided by one point at the half. Once again, Blake Griffin showed off his dominance with 33 points and 17 rebounds.

But credit has to be given to junior guard Tony Crocker, who played good defense against the Blue's top scorer, Manny Harris, taking three charges.

Fans and players agree that game against Michigan saw the best performance from the Sooners since Griffin returned to the team after recovering from the concussion he sustained during the reguar season.

But the work is far from over. OU now faces number 3-seed Syracuse this Friday at 6:27 P.M. CST.

Will the Sooners prove they're Elite? Or will their ride end this weekend?

Stay Tuned....

Spot News: Ambulance and Fire Engine Arriving Outside Dale Hall on the OU campus.

An ambulance as well as a fire engine arrived near the side entrance of Dale Hall on the campus of the University of Oklahoma around 10:15 this morning.

I arrived on the scene to see what the commotion was about. It didn't take me long to set the camera up on the tripod and start filming outside, getting shots of the vehicles with their sirens blazing and the looks of students passing by.

It took several minutes before any sort of lead developed. I finally saw paramedics and officers leaving the hall with a stretcher in tow.

But the stretcher was carrying no injured person, only the equipmen they had gone in with.

I approached one of the men, Capt. Frank Crawley, to determine what had exactly happened that had called for their arrival. As it turns out, a girl within Dale Hall had suffered a slight panic attack most likely induced by stress.

Crawley told me it was a pretty routine call, that she was perfectly alright and not in need of medical attention, in fact her husband was en route to pick her up.

So this didn't turn out to be the hot lead I thought it would be, but better to have gotten film of nothing than to hasve missed a major campus scoop.

Stay Tuned....

Big 12 Tourney Blog #15: There's Confetti On My Camera

The Cinderella Story of the Baylor Bears has come to an end. Four games in four days finally took its toll on the Bears.

On the other hand, the Missouri Tiger proved their mettle on the court, surrounding and suffocating the Baylor offense with the defense that Mizzou Coach Mike Anderson says they hang their hats on.

Missouri defeated Baylor 73-60 to become the Big 12 Champions.

And let me tell you, they certainly know how to party.

Check out how at my final report for the Big 12 Tournament. It's been one heck of a fun journey and I thank Palestra.net for the opportunity.

Stay Tuned....

Big 12 Tourney Blog #14: The 2nd Half of the Championship Game

The second half begins to thunderous applause. Let the fur fly...from tigers and bears, that is,

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They have ice cream in the media room, this is awesome.

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Missouri's defense has really showed up here in the beginning of the second half, keeping even great Baylor scorers like Curtis Jerrells and LaceDarius Dunn from making a basket, much less a rebound.

We've hit the sixteen-and-a-half minute mark, the Tigers lead it 46-35.

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It'a hard to enjoy an orange Dreamsickle when you're typing one-handed like a madman.

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This is the joke on my ice cream stick. What do you find in the middle of nowhere?

The letter H.

Lame. I can't believe I ate my way to a joke like that.

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There's only fifteen minutes left in the game, and Mizzou is stedily making it worse for Cinderella, leading Baylor by eleven points, 48-37.

But a three-pointer made by LaceDarius Dunn re-ignites the fire in the Baylor Bears.

Not sure if I hear a fat lady singing or not.

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11-and-a-half minutes left, and rhe Bears are clawing back, but aren't quite there yet. Mizzou still leads them 51-46. The Bears must learn the secret to guarding the Tigers better if they hope to complete this Cinderella staory.

The Tigers, it appears, have heard enough talk about destiny and are ready to show who is the best in the Big 12.

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10 minutes are left and the Bears still trail the Tigers by six, 52-46. Things are looking great for the Tigers and not so great for the Bears. But there's still plenty of basketball left to be played. Now we'll see if the Bears will fold under the pressure or come out to shine.

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Baylor's shooting has been off ever since they arrived back on the court for the second half. Could the pressure from Mizzou's defense be the case? Or are they starting to lose their upset bug? Who knows, but there's only eight minutes left and they trail the Tigers by 11 again.

If the Tigers keep this up, they could very well be looking at a 2009 championship, unless the Bears have some bite in them yet.

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M-I-Z!!!! Z-O-U!!!! The cry from the Tiger faithful goes up again during a timeout on the floor with 6;45 left in the championship game. The Tigers are still holding a formidable lead, 61-48.

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A few free-throws and key rebounds and one three-pointer could spell a possible comeback for the Bears, at least according to the Baylor band, who has started another round of "The Imperial March".

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Under five minutes left, and the Tigers aren't letting up. Missouri: 65, Baylor: 54.

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LaceDarius Dunn of Baylor went down hard after a failed jump-shot, but has gotten up just fine. No injury scares yet for the Bears, and the Tigers all look healthy as...well...Tigers.

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The Mizzou strikes up with "Eye of the Tiger", which they certainly have shown in this half, still leading by 11 with three-and-a-half minutes left, 67-56.

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One minute left, and the score reads Missouri: 70, Baylor: 58. It seems the clock has fiinally struck midnight on this Cinderella Story, as the M-I-Z, Z-O-U chant fills the center again, the Tiger fans whooping in delight at what they have accomplished throughout the season.

Big 12 Tourney Blog #13: The 1st Half of the Championship Game

I have arrived by the court inside the Ford Center, and the stands are filled with green and yellow and then yellow and black. The teams are out on the court shooting their practice shots. The cheerleaders, bands, and mascots are rocking the air.

It's that time of the year again. Championship season. It's the Missouri Tigers against the Baylor Bears. Who will win? I have no clue, but we're surely in for quite a game.

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The Baylor fans carry prophetic signs cheering their prodigal Bears on to victory. The phrases "We Believe" and "Yes We Can" (really, who didn't see that coming?) fill the stands opposite me.

Bear fans know that a miracle could linger in the air and that their underdogs could have their day. I'm starting to think I'm in a movie. Hope they get my good side.

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The Mizzou fans are no less enthusiastic. They know they have fought hard to get where they are now, just downing a very persevering Oklahoma State team, even when the Ford Center was covered in orange and black and it might as well have been a home game for the Cowboys.

The Mizzou fans shout back at the Baylor fans, not willing to be stung by a Cinderella Story. Can they make the clock strike midnight? We'll find out soon enough.

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The Bear Band plays their trademark upset song, "The Imperial March", indicating that they are ready to serve the upset special to the Tigers.

Mizzou is not amused as the black Tiger flag flies across the court and the Tigers storm the court, followed swiftly by the Bears clad in their green and gold.

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M-I-Z!!!! Z-O-U!!!!

The Tiger Chant stretches from both sides of the stands.

The starting line-ups are announced for both teams, it's just about game time.

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The Bears capture the tip-off and try to go for the first strike, unsuccessfully.

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Kevin Rogers of Baylor casts the first stone with a two-point shot, the Bear faithful explodes.

But Zaire Taylor of Missouri quickly ties it up with one of his own. Crud, this game's gonna go both ways, isn't it?

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A three-pointer puts Mizzou in the lead for the first time with 15:30 left in the first half, 5-4.

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We've reached the 10-minute mark here in the first half and we have witnessed what can only be described as a grudge match. Despite two tiring games with Kansas and Texas, the Bears appear as fresh as they've ever been, leading the Mizzou Tigers by 7, 19-12.

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Eight minutes left. Mizzou just hit a three-pointer to take the lead, 20-19.

Another three-pointer by Kim English now increases the lead for the Tigers, 23-19. Mizzou is showing they are in no way, shape, or form going to lie down to the Bears.

This is going to be one heck of a night.

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The tables have turned. Six-and-a-half minutes left and the Tigers take control, leading the Bears 27-20.

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On a side note, I've never been this close to the action before. I live in constant fear of having to dodge a ball or a sweaty, soaring player. I should probably start thinking up a maneuver to save my equipment and take the hit if that happens.

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Four minutes to halftime, and Mizzou still has a four-point lead on Baylor, 29-25, cut down to 29-28 thanks to a three-pointer by Baylor's Henry Dugat with one second left on the shot clock!

Something tells me this excitement isn't going to abate.

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The Baylor Bear is taking a nap in the middle of the court during a timeout. I don't know how anyone could feel like sleeping right now with a game like this.

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The first half is over and we head into halftime. It looked like the Baylor Bears would have this one in the bags with the way they initially showed up to the game, quickly going up by 6+ point lead in the first few minutes of the game. The MIzzou Tugers finally decided they had had enough of being pushed around, and they put together a strong rally, putting up points and doing their best to keep the hot Bears out of scoring range.

Mizzou Coach Mike Anderson said defense is the area of play that his Tigers hang their hats on, and it didn't appear that he exaggerated.

The score after the half: Missouri: 37, Baylor: 33.

Still too close to call, but what more could you want from a first half?

Stay tuned....

Big 12 Tourney Blog #12: It's...The...Eye of the Tiger

It truly is, now that the Missouri Tigers have routed the Oklahoma State Cowboys, 67-59 to advance to the finale of the Big 12 Tournament to take on the Baylor Bears.

What else could we expect from the championship game but a classic Big12 North vs. Big 12 South match-up?

Not only that, but the fact that the underdog Baylor Bears have suddenly risen to the top and Mizzou having been the last high seed standing in the tourney.

This is the stuff that movies are made of.

Who knows? If the game proves to be that titanic, we may see a movie made out of this: how the little Bears that could battled it out with the ever-pervasive Tigers.

Claw of the Bear.

Eye of the Tiger.

One Big 12 Championship Prize.

Count on me to bring you coverage.

The final game approaches, stay tuned.....

http://palestra.net/videos/play/22387)

Big 12 Tourney Blog #11: The Cinderella Bears Are Goin' to the Ball

The first semi-final game in underway. Will it be the Texas Longhorns or the Baylor Bears advancing to the championship game? I've got my grapes, popcorn and orange soda to keep me alive during this coverage.

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Almost ten minutes into the game, and the Bears are in trouble, sinking into a 10-point deficit, largely thanks to the 3-point profficiency of Texas' A.J. Abrams and the suffocating play of the Texas defense and Dexter Pittman.

Still, the Bears seem like they're only regrouping. The Baylor Bear just came over and tried to get at some of my popcorn, feigned vomiting into the band and is now running from side to side across the Baylor endzone. It's a good day.

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A member of the Texas Longhorns just jumped towards a Baylor player, made no contact and landed on his stomach, and foul was called on the Bears. The band boos.

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We've reached the five-minute mark in the first half and it's not looking good for the Cinderella Bears, still down by nine.

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One of the things I love most about being down here on the floor is seeing all the fan's reactions to activity on the field. It's quite entertaining. Just remember, when you're in the stands reacting to a call, you are being watched by someone. Food for thought.

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Now we're at half-time. The Bears have calwed their way to up to a 6-point deficit now, but only time in the second half will tell if they will go to the ball. Stay tuned.

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The players have arrived back on the court for the start of the second half. The score remains: Texas-39, Baylor- 33

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With 15 minutes left in the game, we have a tie. 45-45. The whole stadium just exploded.

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We've reached the 10-minute mark 'till the end of the game and we are still tied, 55-55. Could this be anymore suspenseful? We're only playing for the title game here.

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Texas' Dexter Pittman seems to have suffered a stinger to his knee, he fell on the court and didn't get up for a few seconds. He continues to play, but seemingly favoring the other leg. Twice he's been fouled and he hasn't made a single free throw since the sting. That could be a huge offensive disadvantage for this Texas team, who rely heavily on his physical play.

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Five and a hald minutes left, Baylor takes the lead 59-57, all hope for the Bears is not lost.

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Three players are down. Texas' Dexter Pittman is not getting up, and Baylor's Kevin Rogers and Tweety Carter need assistance rising to their feet. No telling how this will affect either team's offensive game. Three and a half minutes left, still tied at 61-61. Crunch time.

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Baylor's Kevin Rogers and Tweety Carter returned to the court on the next drive. Texas' Dexter Pittman is on the bench.

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1.:08 left, 67-65 Baylor. Let the nails be bitten.

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27.2. seconds left, 69-67 Baylor. My heart just skipped every other beat for a couple seconds, I think I need to lie down.

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The Bears have officially clawed and torn their way into the Big 12 Tournament Title Game. The final score: Baylor-76, Texas-70.

http://palestra.net/videos/play/22379)

Big 12 Tourney Blog #10: Mizzou Garners Special Honor

Of simply being the only high-seed team placed in the quarterfinals to actually win their game.

The Texas Tech Red Raiders looked like they may have had a promising run after upsetting the Texas A&M Aggies, but the Missouri Tigers quickly moved in to settle that, trouncing them 81-60.

So now it'll be the Tigers vs. the Okie State Cowboys, arguably the hottest team in the tourney.

Find out Mizzou's reaction to their special honor in my next report.

Stay tuned...

http://palestra.net/videos/play/22283)

Big 12 Tourney Blog #9: The Time Of The Cowboy Has Come

As a Sooners fan, my stomach's dropped out of my torso.

As a journalist, that was one heck of a game, with Oklahoma losing to their in-state rival, Oklahoma State 71-70.

The atmosphere was supercharged on the final play.

Picture it. Two seconds left in the game, OU in possession and down by one, they went for it.

Unfortunately, Blake Griffin's desperation attempt was a failure, but that's not what had coaches and players up in arms near the end. The clock was stuck on 2.3 seconds and then 0.8 seconds after Blake Griffin's miss.

Still, the officials ruled the game won by the Cowboys. They will advance to th semi-finals for a shot at the title game.

Tune into my report for the post-game and the Big 12's official released statement concerning the time issue.

The championship game draws nearer....

http://palestra.net/videos/play/22266)

http://palestra.net/videos/play/22267)

Big 12 Tourney Blog #8:1st Semifinal Decided, Baylor vs. Texas

You heard me right.

The Texas Longhorns just broke the losing streak against the Kansas State Wildcats, sneaking by 61-58.

Which means only one thing: the first semifinal of the Big 12 Tournament has been decided.

The Baylor Bears against the Texas Longhorns for a shot at the title game.

UT played a great defensive game, holding even K-State's Denis Clemente. That guys is usually a three-pointer machine, but not today.

But there's got to be pressure knowing you'll battle it out with the team that took down the number one seed, right?

Well, find out what the Longhorns said in my next report.

Stay tuned.....

http://palestra.net/videos/play/22257)

Big 12 Tourney Blog #7: The Bears that Could.

................................................................................................................................................................ .

That's all anyone has to say.

The Kansas Jayhwaks, favored to take the Big 12 Tournament, have just fallen to the counted-out Baylor Bears, 71-64.

They are now the Bears that could.

The Jayhwaks just looked downright tired throughout the entire game. Can you blame them, though? They went from having a "re-building year" to pushing themselves, once again, to the front of the conference prior to the tourney.

Baylor came out on the court fresh off a victory over the Nebraska Cornhuskers and took no prisoners.

They will now advance to the semi-finals to take on the winner of Texas vs. K-Satate.

I certainly never saw this coming from BU, but then again I didn't see Texas Tech winning last night, either.

I've got a feeling we're in for a wild ride.

Stay Tuned....

http://palestra.net/videos/play/22236

http://palestra.net/videos/play/22239

Big 12 Tourney Blog #6: Upset City, Population Texas A&M.

The Texas Tech Red Raiders have been fairly inconsistent with their last few games.

We've seen a Red Raider team that cound pull of an upset over the current No. 1 seed in the Big 12, the Kansas Jayhawks.

But then again, we've also seen a Red Raider team that falls to Iowa State.

The first half of their game with Texas A&M was showing off the second team, but on the shoulders of Mike Singletary, the first Tech team arrived to bounce back from a 20+ point deficit to clinch the victory at the final buzzer, 88-85.

Here's what they had to say afterward.

http://palestra.net/videos/play/22215)

Big 12 Tourney Blog #5: Bedlam Come To The Big 12 Tournament

These teams really want me to lose my objective cool, don't they?

Well, yet another Bedlam Rivalry Showdown will, and this one could be for all the marbles.

After smoking the Iowa State Cyclones 91-67, the Okie State Cowboys will go on to the quarterfinals and get in a third scrabble with the Oklahoma Sooners.

You would think that the Ford Center here in OKC would be a neutral site for the rivalry, right?

Well, check out what Okie State coaches and players had to say in my next report.

http://palestra.net/videos/play/22210)

Big 12 Tourney Blog #4: The Eyes of Texas are Spotting the Quarterfinals.

Now, my arch-rivals, the Texas Longhorns have advanced to Round Two of the Big 12 Tournament, and I couldn't be more thrilled. **Gagging noises**

But in all seriousness, after a season where the trademark is inconsistent play, the Longhorns grabbed onto a sense of stability and hugged it tight, defeating the Colorado Buffalos 67-56.

So far, the Southern Divsion of the Big 12 seems to be the kings of Round 1, but will it last?

Now the Longhorns have an entirely different trial up ahead, the Kansas State Wildcats. The Wildcats have long been a thorn in UT's side, winning not only the last two meetings between their football teams, but also the last tme these two met on the court, 85-81 in OT.

Can the Longhorns snap the streak?

Stay tuned.....

http://palestra.net/videos/play/22200)

Big 12 Tourney Blog #3: Baylor Bears Move On.

They Baylor Bears capped off an impressive performance on the court with the honor of being the first Big 12 team to win in the tournament.

The final score was Baylor- 65, Nebraska- 49.

But now it's out of the frying pan and into the fire for da Bears, who will advance to the quarterfinals and duke it out with the current No. 1 seed in the Big 12, the Kansas Jayhawks. But they are confident after this performance that they are focused and can keep their eyes on the prize.

As for the Cornhuskers, they are knocked out, but they are still satisfied with how their team never gave up and played 'till the very end.

As for the possible termination of the Huskers' NCAA tournament bid, Coach Doc Sadler thinks there's no reason that they shouldn't have a shot, or "someone's gonna have to take a look at themselves".

Stay for continued Big 12 tournament coverage. Now the burnt orange has arrived....i think I'm gonna be sick.

http://palestra.net/videos/play/22190)

http://palestra.net/videos/play/22192)

Big 12 Tourney Blog #2: 30-27

Well, the Baylor Bears have certainly proved to be quite the scrappy team. I myself didn't have too many high hopes for them, but they are really proving themselves out on the field.

Baylor Head Coach Scott Drew had talked about this tournament being a "clean slate" and Guard Curtis Jerrells said how every team is no 0-0 and he looks forward to playing.

But how 'bout those Huskers? They were falling apart, seemingly, trailing by ten near the end of the first half, but pulled off a surprising comeback, and now this game is not over by any means.

Plenty has happened in one half. The Baylor Band has already sounded off with the Imperial March and Eye of the Tiger (which I think sort of belongs to Missouri). The cheerleaders have strutted their stuff. The Baylor Bear taunted the Husker Band from across the court, and the Nebraska mascot turned around, stuck his butt out and told them to stick it where the sun don't shine.

More to come, there's still another half to be played. Stay tuned for more of my coverage of the Big 12 tournament.

Big Tourey Blog 1: The Aggies Are Ready to Go.

When you think of Big 12 South teams, what do you think of?

"Oh yeah, you got yer Texas Longhorns, yer Oklahoma Sooners....and....who's that team in the middle?"

That's right, the Texas A&M Aggies, the team that usually gets overlooked when you have other star programs in the South.

But all of that might change tomorrow. The Aggies are on a hot streak of 6 wins and counting, their last one being over the current #3 seed in the Big 12, the Missouri Tigers (Sorry, Will.)

Check out my first report on Palestra.net from the Ford Center in OKC of the Big 12 Tournament about it, and don't forget to catch the rest of reports coming soon!

http://palestra.net/videos/play/22174)

March 2nd Designated Sam Bradford Day in Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Senate heard two resolutions on Monday in recognition of the achievements of the OU football team and sophomore quarterback, Sam Bradford.

In honor of Bradford being awarded the Heisman Trophy and in gratitude for his decision to return to the Sooners next season, the resolution designates March 2nd as Sam Bradford Day.

You know you've hit the big-time when you get your own holiday, right?

Darfur Genocide Podcast #1