STILLWATER- The Cowgirls finished nonconference play by weathering the storm from the Hurricane.
Oklahoma State beat Tulsa 90-58 on Monday night at Gallagher-Iba Arena. The Cowgirls improved to 11-2 before Big 12 play begins next week.
“Tonight was a really important game for us to just get back to feeling good about who we are and what we do,” coach Jacie Hoyt said. “I thought our response coming off the bedlam loss was great and that we got back to who we want to be going into the Big 12.”
The Cowgirls defense forced 31 turnovers and did not let the Tulsa offense find a rhythm for most of the game. Those turnovers resulted in 33 Cowgirl points.
“Tonight was about getting back to being the aggressor and we certainly did that defensively,” Hoyt said. “It’s a great testament to our kids pressuring and when you struggle to score, the best answer is turn your defense up and get out in transition and get some easy looks.”
Tulsa came into the game averaging 75 points per game, led by prolific scorer Mady Cartwright who averages just under 18 points per game. The Cowgirl defense held Cartwright to just eight points.
“Everything starts with Amari Whiting for us defensively,” Hoyt said. “She does not always get rewarded with the steal or the stat the way her teammates do, but when Amari is picking up and guarding like that we know we are really good.”
Whiting scored 18 points to aid her defensive effort.
“My game starts defensively and that just kind of flows my offense,” Whiting said. “I feel like we are really good with transition and running and that comes with getting stops.”
Micah Gray led the Cowgirls with 20 points. She has been one of the most consistent scorers on the team throughout the season.
“She has just been getting more and more confident and her being a veteran is great for us,” Whiting said. “She just makes all the right reads and teams know she is a great shooter so there are times they try to run her off the line, but it’s kind of pick your poison with her.”
Oklahoma State overcame a sluggish first quarter in which it had five turnovers and held a four-point lead at the buzzer. The Cowgirls won the second quarter 24-6 and took a 22 point lead into the break.
“We just had a losing hangover,” Hoyt said. “It was great to play so quick after our last game, but it’s also kind of hard with only one day of prep.”
The Cowgirls finished 4-1 this season against in-state opponents in the nonconference.
“It was the first time we have gotten to play Tulsa in my time here,” Hoyt said. “It’s great to play teams in state. It’s great for fans on both sides and it’s important to take care of business when you are playing an in state team.”
