Cowgirls Headed Back To The Big Dance

STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma State’s women’s basketball team earned its first NCAA Championship berth since 2018 with the announcement of the field of 64 on Monday evening.

OSU's selection marks its sixth in 10 years under the direction of head coach Jim Littell, who was named the Big 12 Coach of the Year for the second time in his career. The Cowgirls reached the second round of the tourney under his direction in 2013 before making a trip to the Sweet 16 the following year. OSU made it four consecutive trips with berths in 2015 and 2016 as well.

The Cowgirls, who are 18-8 on the year, will be the No. 8 seed in the Alamo Region. OSU will face ninth-seeded Wake Forest (12-12) on March 21 at noon (CST). 

The contest will be televised by ESPN2 with a spot in the second round against the winner between top-seeded Stanford and No. 16 seed Utah Valley on the line.

OSU has constructed a banner season, winning a program-best 13 conference games and tying for second in the Big 12 Conference.

In addition to Littell, four players were honored with all-league honors with All-American Natasha Mack leading the way. The senior was named the league’s defensive player of the year and a unanimous All-Big 12 pick, while Ja’Mee Asberry picked up second-team all-league honors. Taylen Collins and Lexy Keys were named to the league’s all-freshman team.

OSU’s last NCAA appearance resulted in a trip to the second round after an opening-round victory against Syracuse in Starkville, Miss.

The Cowgirls are 11-15 all time in NCAA action, including three Sweet 16 appearances with the most recent coming in 2014.