On the biggest stage they've performed on this season Oklahoma's men's basketball team dropped a 10 point decision to the third ranked team in the country. While the loss was Oklahoma's first setback on the season it also showed that the Sooners are capable of running with the big dogs.
Oklahoma's 69-55 win over Gardner-Webb placed them third in the tournament the question can be raised, by comparing scores, if the Sooners weren't the second best team in New York.
OU basketball fans need to be encouraged because not only are the Sooners going to be fun to watch this season but they are also going to be very competitive within the conference.
The trip to New York gave Oklahoma the opportunity to get experience of playing one the best teams in the nation long before they travel to Lawrence to take on the Jayhawks. It'll also prepare them for playing the likes of USC, Arkansas and Gonzaga all of whom are lurking on Oklahoma's schedule.
OU may have failed to win the tournament championship but what they did was succeed in gaining the experience that will benefit them throughout the season.