Oklahoma men's basketball: Sooners crush TCU, lose starter Buddy Hield to broken foot

He never made it past half court.

He pointed at the sideline, and Oklahoma athletic trainer Alex Brown tended to Hield. A minute later, the two walked to the training room.

“Buddy is a terrific guy,” said junior forward Amath M'Baye, who led he Sooners with 12 points. “We all love him to death. I think everybody around campus loves him to death. ... Energy-wise I'm looking forward to see him back on the court. It affects me a lot, too.”

OU forward Romero Osby, who had 11 points and a team-best seven rebounds, said: “You just love him. I look at him like a little brother. He's in good spirits. Hopefully he stays in good spirits.”

OU athletic department officials declined media requests to speak with Hield after the game.

As the Sooners finished the night 29-of-58 from the field, they celebrated their seventh conference victory. OU players high-fived fans as Hield stood with crutches and a gray protective boot on his right foot.

“Buddy loves to play obviously,” Kruger said. “It hurts everyone when that is taken away.”

Devonta Abron led TCU with 12 points.