An MRI came back clear, but as of late Sunday, Oklahoma head coach Jeff Capel was still unsure whether Blake Griffin will be available for the Sooners' biggest game of the season Monday against Kansas.

The odds-on favorite for Big 12 and national player of the year was injured early in this weekend's loss to Texas and did not return after experiencing concussion-like symptoms.

Assuming there are no lasting effects, and that Griffin is able to return to the lineup against the Jayhawks, that loss may prove to be the best thing that ever happened to the Crimson and Cream.

Sure it ruined the Sooners' unbeaten conference run and cost OU the top spot in the national polls. It also allowed Kansas to pull even in the Big 12 standings and brought Missouri within striking distance.

But winning the conference title has always been the goal. Going undefeated was an added, and unnecessary, burden.

Furthermore, after trailing by 12 in the second half, on the road in one of the toughest venues in the country, freshmen Willie Warren and Juan Pattillo led the comeback. A 14-0 run wasn't enough to pull out a prime time win in Austin, but the Sooners proved something to themselves and the NCAA Tournament selection committee.

They can compete, even without college basketball's best player.

So when the tournament rolls around, and Griffin finds himself in foul trouble or is targeted by a cheap shot or simply has an off-night (the least likely scenario of the three), Oklahoma won't fold. The Sooners' supporting cast has been there.

How many other elite college basketball teams can say that?

Tonight is another chance to demonstrate their tournament-readiness. A second postseason-caliber opponent within 48 hours is exactly what the Sooners can expect in March.

Pittsburgh will probably win out in the new rankings released this afternoon. But voters should think long and hard about moving Oklahoma into the No. 1 spot, despite the loss.