OU basketball: This wasn't how it was supposed to end for the Sooners' Four Horsemen

HOUSTON — Ryan Spangler jogged through first, focused on the NRG Stadium tunnel and the relief it would bring from the bright lights and the scoreboard that declared the awful news Saturday night.

Next came Isaiah Cousins, who reached out to slap hands with dozens of OU students sitting on the floor who still wanted to connect with this team and these players who had resuscitated Sooner basketball.

Jordan Woodard was next, and he couldn't wait for the sanctuary of the tunnel, shuffling with a towel over his head.

Finally came Buddy Hield, walking with his head down. An OU fan leaning over the railing yelled, “Keep your head up, man.” Ever the loyal soldier, Hield lifted his head and kept it high as he walked away from OU hoops forever.