Oklahoma State Cowgirls Make Early Statement With 109-48 Win Over New Orleans
The Oklahoma State Cowgirls beat New Orleans 109-48 on Monday night at Gallagher-Iba Arena to open their season. The Privateers scored on the game’s opening possession. Oklahoma State followed with a 15-2 run, including back-to-back three-pointers from Stailee Heard, and took away any potential momentum.
“We want to really be relentless on the ball and off the ball,” coach Jaycie Hoyt said. "We want to be disruptive on defense, and I think the team understands that that’s where easy offense can come from.”
Twelve Cowgirls played in the game, which had a 40-point difference in the scoreboard at halftime.
“It’s clear that we have a lot of depth on this team” Hoyt said. “Games like this let us play with different lineups and really see how we can play with that depth and utilize it together.”
Senior guard Micah Gray led the Cowgirls with 24 points in 26 minutes.
“We’re a free and flowing team and there’s so many options on the floor” Gray said. “It’s fun because whoever shoots it, we know it’s going in.”
Oklahoma State controlled the glass as well for the duration of the game. The Cowgirls secured the first 10 rebounds of the game, as well as the first six offensive rebounds. The team finished with a 54-18 rebounding advantage.
“Our effort is everything that we need it to be right now,” Hoyt said. “I never have to coach effort and that’s one of the things that makes us a really good basketball team.”
The Cowgirl defense stifled the Privateers leading returning scorer Jayla Kimbrough, who finished with three points. Kimbrough averaged 26.7 points per game last season, second on the team behind Nora Francois who transferred to Arizona.
Speculation about the new faces on the team dominated preseason discussions. Several of these new faces made significant impacts on Monday night.
Transfer guard Haleigh Timmer led the newcomers for the Cowgirls with 18 points in her first game at Oklahoma State. Transfer guard Amari Whiting had 11 points and freshman guard Lena Girardi had 15.
“I was excited for these girls to finally be able to get out and play in front of our fans,” Hoyt said. “I’ve coached against Haleigh Timmer way more times than I would have ever liked to at my other schools as well as here, but now I’m just really glad that she’s here.”
Oklahoma State eclipsed 100 points twice last season on its way to a 25-7 season and an NCAA tournament berth.
“Right now we have a lot of weapons who can come in and empty their tank and do their job,” Hoyt said. “Our bench is doing a really great job for us right now. It’s a blessing to have a bench that can come in and really take the game to the next level.”
