Bryce Thompson's Grateful to Still Be Playing Basketball This Time of Year
STILLWATER – When we got the opportunity to talk to senior guard Bryce Thompson about his final game for Oklahoma State in Gallagher-Iba Arena a few weeks back, you could hear the gratitude and love for his four years in Stillwater in his voice.
He shined in what we all thought was his final game in GIA, scoring 16 points and savored an 11-point win over Cincinnati on Senior Day, 78-67.
Fast forward to March 16, Selection Sunday, and Thompson found out he had at least one more go round on the historic white maple of GIA.
“It felt great [to play at home again], especially with the turnout we had,” said Thompson. “We had a ton of fans there to support us at an 8 o’clock game. So, we’re really grateful for that. They gave us an extra boost, and we really appreciate it, especially with everything that’s been going on in Stillwater the last couple of days. For them to still come out and show love, we really appreciate it.”
The Cowboys had extended their game one more game with hosting regional rival Wichita State in the opening round of the NIT, and everyone loves bonus basketball. Well, Thompson made the most of that opportunity, scoring the Pokes’ first 10 points of the game, helping lead them to an 89-79 win over the Shockers. He dropped 23 points, four rebounds and five steals, ensuring the Cowboys got at least one more game of bonus ball.
“I’ve just been trying to soak it in, man,” Thompson said of some of the last basketball as a Cowboy. “I think about all the good times I had here. I’m just extremely grateful for the opportunity and I’m really excited this team gets to keep playing.”
The Cowboys will be back in action this coming Sunday as they’re on the road in Dallas against SMU. The Pokes beat the Ponies earlier this season, albeit in an exhibition. But the road has been a big bugaboo for the Pokes all season long as they’re 2-10 away from the friendly confines of GIA. But by and large, BT has been very good on the road for the Pokes, scoring 16 and 15 points at Utah and BYU, respectively, 17 at Texas Tech, 17 at TCU, 21 at Kansas and 19 at Baylor.
We’ll see if he can continue that streak, or if he has a game like he did at UCF or up in Kansas City against Cincy where he scored just four and six points, respectively. My money, with BT wanting to continue his senior season with the Pokes, is on double figures.
