Golden Eagles To Play In NCAA Tournament

65 college basketball teams got the news Sunday they'll be playing for a national title and only one is from Oklahoma. ORU got in because they won their conference tournament. They were a favorite

Sunday, March 11th 2007, 8:05 pm

By: News On 6

65 college basketball teams got the news Sunday they'll be playing for a national title and only one is from Oklahoma. ORU got in because they won their conference tournament. They were a favorite to win, but their days as the top team in the tourney are over. The News On 6â€™s Joshua Brakhage reports, now, the Golden Eagles will need upsets and buzzer-beaters if they want to be the bracket-buster that upsets the Big Dance.

"It speaks so much about the program to get a 14 seed,â€ said ORU forward Caleb Green.

"Teams are hearing a little buzz about us, so we've got to continue to play because they'll be ready for us,â€ said ORU guard Ken Tutt.

"It's just going to be so fun, I can't wait," Green said.

Seniors Ken Tutt and Caleb Green have been to the NCAA tournament before, but never has their team had so much potential.

"We have experienced players in Ken and Caleb,â€ said ORU head coach Scott Sutton. â€œWe've been there before, last year, and it's just a matter if we can go out there, make shots, and play well.â€

The team already has a couple of good things going for them, they've done something only four other teams have all year, and that is beat Kansas, one of the number one teams in the tournament. And they won on KU's court by the largest margin Kansas saw all season.

Plus, some of the analysts are already picking them as a possible Cinderella.

"And I'm calling an upset right now. Number 14 seed, Oral Roberts," said CBS analyst Seth Davis

"Love that ORU!" said CBS analyst Clark Kellogg.

"I think, we're going to surprise some people and bring home a win," said ORU sophomore Chad King.

"Sutton's a great coach. He knows what he's doing. Comes from a good genealogy there,â€ said Tyler Brann ORU sophomore.

The only time Scott Sutton's smile faded, was when asked how it felt to be the only Sutton in the tournament.

"I'm excited for our guys and our fans, but I wish the Cowboys could have been there as well," he said.

But as he told one of his smallest fans, they're going to California where they hope the celebration continues.

ORU's women are going to the national tournament as well. They'll find out on Monday when, where and who they'll play. But ORU won't be the only Oklahoma team going to the NCAA tournament, the lady Sooners are in, and the Cowgirls are "on the bubble".