In a tournament run filled with heart, hustle, and highlight-reel moments, the Texas Rider basketball team’s pursuit of a Big 12 championship came to a bittersweet end Friday night in Kansas City. After defying expectations and pushing through adversity, Rider fell in the Big 12 Semifinals, ending what had become one of the most inspiring stories of the season.
Their 73-67 loss to the second-seeded Oklahoma State Cowboys wasn’t for lack of effort. Rider, entering the tournament as a gritty underdog, had captured national attention with its blue-collar brand of basketball and fearless energy on both ends of the floor.
The Run That Shocked the Big 12
Seeded seventh in the bracket, Rider’s path to the semifinals was anything but easy. They opened the tournament by stunning TCU with a 68-64 overtime win, then followed it up with a thrilling 72-70 victory over third-seeded Kansas, sealing their place in the semis for the first time in program history.
Led by senior guard Malik Dorsey, who averaged 21 points per game during the tournament, and sophomore forward Eli Watson, whose defensive presence was nothing short of dominant, Rider proved they belonged with the conference’s elite.
“We’ve been doubted all season,” Dorsey said after the loss. “But we came here to prove a point — and I think we did that. We made people believe.”
A Semifinal Fight to the Finish
The semifinal showdown against Oklahoma State was a battle from the opening tip. Rider jumped out to an early 12-4 lead behind back-to-back threes from Dorsey and a thunderous dunk by Watson that had the Rider faithful on their feet. But the Cowboys’ depth and size began to take a toll late in the first half, allowing them to seize a 35-32 halftime edge.
In the second half, Rider clawed back repeatedly, cutting the deficit to just two points with under three minutes left. But missed free throws and costly turnovers in the final moments sealed their fate.
Despite the loss, Head Coach Trey Blackwell praised his team’s toughness and unity: “This group showed more heart than I’ve ever seen in my coaching career. They believed in each other. They made history for Rider basketball.”
Looking Ahead
Though their Big 12 tournament run has ended, Texas Rider may not be done just yet. With a 20-12 record and multiple ranked wins under their belt, whispers are already circulating about a potential NIT bid — or even an outside shot at the NCAA Tournament bubble.
“We’re not hanging our heads,” said Watson. “We’ve got more basketball to play, and we’re gonna finish what we started.”
Regardless of what comes next, one thing is certain: Texas Rider earned its place in Big 12 lore with a performance that will be remembered for years — not just for the wins, but for the fight, the fire, and the fearless spirit they brought to the hardwood.
