STILLWATER — Oklahoma State updated its intro video for Saturday's much-anticipated Bedlam matchup.
And the pump-up clip included a perfect closing scene.
Marcus Smart, moments after his steal and assist clinched an unthinkable upset in Lawrence, Kan., vaults into an acrobatic back flip on the Jayhawks' center court logo, as a delirious Dave Hunziker unloads a “Down goes Kansas” call in the background.
The sold out Bedlam crowd reacted as expected, immediately identifying and roaring at the sight of Smart's bold acrobatics.
“I was celebrating for a moment,” Markel Brown fondly recalled. “Then I turn around and I see him doing back flips, and I'm like, ‘Woah, what is he doing?'”
In many ways, it's become the signature moment of this season-changing and potentially program-altering seven-game win streak.
Genuine and humble off the court but a ruthless bully on it, Smart has a rare form of competitive confidence. He'll rip your heart during the game and then dance on your historic court after.
It's the clearest example of an obvious culture change surrounding OSU's rejuvenated program.
But it also came with one obvious drawback.
The Cowboys have to play Kansas again. On Wednesday in Stillwater. With the Big 12 lead on the line.
And you better believe KU players remember the not-so-subtle celebration on their beloved Jayhawk.
“Was there a back flip?” Bill Self joked to reporters on Saturday night, before coming clean. “It's already been shown many times. (But) I gotta be honest, I thought that was as athletic as Ben (McLemore's 360) dunk (on Saturday).”
