Daily Bullets (March 5)

 Heavyweights

Second team all-conference point guards weren’t allowed in GIA Saturday, big dogs only.

Evans’ line — 22 points and 15 assists — was historic: He became the first OSU player to notch 15-plus assists since Doug Gottlieb in 1999 and posted the second-highest assist total by a player this season.

Mason’s line — 27 points, nine assists and eight rebounds — was award-worthy in KU’s first win in Stillwater since 2013.

“Those two might be the two best point guards in the country,” said OSU senior Phil Forte, who scored 13 points in his final home game. “They were just delivering blow for blow, and that’s what happens when you get two good players out there just competing and playing their tails off.”

The afternoon began with the theatrics of OSU’s final home game — Forte and Leyton Hammonds were honored in an emotional senior day ceremony in a building with nary an empty seat.

It soon gave way to a point guard battle that could possibly be seen again on Friday if both Kansas and Oklahoma State reach the Big 12 semifinals. [TulsaWorld]

Last week the comparison was made of Big 12 point guards and quarterbacks, Saturday felt like McCoy vs. Bradford or Rudolph vs. Mahomes. Jawun had the fourth 20 points and 15 assist game in league history while Frank Mason dominated off the bounce and cherry picked open shots in the mean time. Each altered the game in his own way, willing their teams til the end.

Frank Mason and Jawun Evans combined for 49 points, 12 boards and 24 assists on Saturday night in GIA.

— Pistols Firing (@pistolsguys) March 5, 2017

Filling the Gaps

Of the three levels on defense, the secondary’s two openings must be filled well.

Another participant in OSU pro day, safety Jordan Sterns, will also be missed dearly this season.

Aside from racking up three consecutive seasons with at least 100 tackles, he also provided strong leadership in the secondary.

Tre Flowers and Ramon Richards, seniors this fall, fit the bill to carry the load. They’ll be responsible for bringing along new starters at safety and cornerback with Ashton Lampkin, Lenzy Pipkins and Sterns all moving on. [NewsOK]

Losing Sterns at safety means losing invaluable leadership and tackles that saved first downs and touchdowns. Losing Moncrief (the third safety) and Ashton Lampkin at corner is huge. Fortunately, past Baker Mayfield, there’s not a lot of (proven) terrifying Big 12 throwers around the league this year. A credible source rated Kenny Hill third!

https://twitter.com/TreyFallon/status/814293860033687552

OSU and NCAA Notes

NCAA proposing some football rule changes (knee pads required)….Finalized Big 12 Tourney bracket….Baseball team rallied from a 6-0 hole but lost by one….Cowgirls fall to Texas in the Big 12 Tourney…. Wrestlers clinch the Big 12 title before the last round began….Cowgirl softball dominated with a pair of wins on Saturday

Self with a possible explanation of why Eddie isn’t in the hall yet.

Bill Self asked why Eddie Sutton isn't in the @Hoophall. #okstate pic.twitter.com/a9Fbgk2EO1

— Carson Cunningham (@KOCOCarson) March 5, 2017

Nothing more beautiful than a sold-out GIA. Fans, YOU brought back the ROWDY this season and we can't thank you enough.#awakentheGIAnt pic.twitter.com/NTpYZYfp7z

— Cowboy Basketball (@OSUMBB) March 5, 2017

What a difference a season(ed coach) makes.

So unbelievable. #marchmadness pic.twitter.com/xKTaxxa5c0

— Ralph S. Ventre (@NECralph) March 4, 2017

March is here.

What You Missed on PFB

• Five Thoughts on the Sweet 16-esque KU game last night
• These post-game shows are therapeutic and fun to watch, here it is if you missed it
• Bill Self stopping by to talk with Coach Sutton after the game was great
• Here’s the Instant Recap from KU-OSU last night
• T. Boone made the trip to Stillwater last night
• OSU wrestling dominates, got everybody into the Big 12 Finals
• PFB talks with a late add preferred-walk on lineman for 2017 class
• Gundy had a pair of impact graduate transfers were in Stillwater for KU game