Cowgirls Bedlam Runs Dry Up in Norman, OU wins 84-58
Oklahoma State had become the proud owners of Bedlam basketball on the women’s side with four straight wins, including all three meetings last season. The Cowgirls had won seven-of-nine to close out former OU head coach Sherri Coale. The Cowgirls had won three of the last four in Norman. That changed on Wednesday night in Norman as new Oklahoma head coach Jennie Baranczyk not only exorcized the Bedlam demon but also got the Sooners to 17 wins in a season faster than any previous head coach in any season. Oklahoma took the lead early on the Cowgirls and never let up, at least not long enough for OSU, as Oklahoma prevailed 84-58.
Oklahoma opened up with a 6-0 run as Taylor Robertson, known for her three-point proficiency tipped an inbounds pass from the baseline and gained possession and went the distance for a lay in to make it 4-0. Fouled moments later shooting a three pointer, she missed the first but hit the next two. Free throws were a big part of Oklahoma’s early lead building.
In the first period the Cowgirls fouled early and often and put Oklahoma at the line 13 times. In fact, Gabby Gregory finished the first period scoring with two free throws made and OU led 26-15.
In what may have been the best portion of the game for the Cowgirls Lauren Fields, who returned hit a jumper, Kassidy De Lapp scored on a feed inside the paint, and then Abby Winchester caught an inbounds pass and scored to close the OU lead to five points at 30-25.
Then the Sooners spurted off again as Naveah Tott nailed a three-pointer from the left wing. Madi Williams, who scored 13 points for OU posted up for a bucket. The Robertson did what she is more noted for hitting a three from way out next to the Cowgirls bench. The lead was back up to 38-25. That run, one of many, finished at 10-0.
Oklahoma led at the half 40-28.
The Cowgirls started the third period with an 8-0 run to get the score to 42-36. Again Oklahoma countered. When Liz Scott, who led Oklahoma with 22 points, went to the line and sank two free throws after the Cowgirls most physical defender Taylen Collins collected her fourth foul and had to go to the bench, the Sooners led 52-37.
It was never threatened after that. Oklahoma cruised and pushed that record at the top of the Big 12 to 17-3 and 6-2 in Big 12 play.
Oklahoma State sinks to 6-11 and a conference mark of 1-7. The Cowgirls will try again at home on Saturday inside Gallagher-Iba Arena hosting Kansas at 1 p.m.