Oral Roberts advanced to Division I postseason play for the first time since 1983-84 and the first time as the Golden Eagles. With the leadership of four seniors and the impressive play of junior sensation shooting guard Tim Gill, Head Coach Bill Self led his team to a postseason berth for the first time under his direction in the fourth and last season of his tenure as head coach. ORU's final regular season record was 21-6, and this was the Golden Eagles' final year as an independent. Victories over such teams as No. 16 Arkansas, nationally ranked Tulsa and established Oklahoma State were not enough to give ORU an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, but the National Invitation Tournament did extend a bid. The Eagles gladly accepted and headed up to South Bend, Indiana, to face Notre Dame and Big East player of the year Pat Garrity on March 12, 1997. ORU went into the game with wins in 12 of its last 13 games, but whatever the reason, the Golden Eagles did not show up to play against the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame only led by six at the half (35-29), but extended its lead to as many as 18 points in the second period (74-56 at 0:15) and ended up winning by 16, 74-58. Gill still led all scorers in the contest with 21 points.