The moments didn't last long, but both were special.
The Oklahoma State women's basketball team roared back in the final 10 minutes of Bedlam to beat the Oklahoma Sooners 66-63 Saturday in Gallagher-Iba Arena.
After the final horn, the Cowgirls and their coaches celebrated on court and gathered to sing the alma mater.
As the school song ended, Cowgirls basketball coach Jim Littell raised his arms upward with his index fingers outstretched in a No. 1 salute. He turned his face toward heaven to honor and remember his longtime friend Kurt Budke, OSU women's basketball coach who died in a plane crash during a recruiting trip in November.
A few minutes later, tears flowed as Littell presented the game ball to Budke's widow, Shelley.
It has become a tradition for the Cowgirls players to walk into the stands behind their bench and hug the Budke family after each game. Littell was last in line with the game ball tucked under his right arm. He hugged Budke's widow, talked with her and gave her the ball.
Yes, Saturday was extra special.
The Cowgirls' victory snapped an eight-game losing streak to their in-state rivals that dated to Jan. 12, 2008.
It was special in another way as well.
More than 5,500 fans — mostly OSU supporters — attended the game. Their cheers spurred the Cowgirls on. OU lead for 19:32 of the second half. The Cowgirls would surge close, but couldn't take the lead until sophomore guard Jenni Bryan nailed a 3-pointer with 28.1 seconds left.
The Cowgirls held the Sooners at bay and ran their record to 10-3 overall and 2-2 in the Big 12.
"This is my 34th year of coaching, and I have never been more proud of a team than I am today," Littell said.
I'm sure all Oklahoma State fans echo that sentiment.
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