STILLWATER- Classes have not yet started but the Cowgirls have already faced a difficult test.
Oklahoma State beat Colorado 63-56 on Sunday afternoon at Gallagher-Iba Arena. The Cowgirls improved to 14-4 overall and 3-2 in Big 12 play.
Neither team led by more than six points until a trip to the free throw line by Stailee Heard with just over a minute left in the game as part of a 15-2 run. The game also saw 11 lead changes and 10 ties.
“Colorado is a really good team and I have watched them just improve drastically as the year has gone on,” coach Jacie Hoyt said. “They really made it hard for us and I think our kids stuck together for 40 minutes.”
Heard led the Cowgirls with 21 points.
“The coaches have been talking to me about being aggressive since the season started,” Heard said. “My coaches and teammates have all the belief in me and keep pouring in confidence.”
While Colorado’s defense prevented the Cowgirls from flowing on offense, the team still had 12 assists on 20 made baskets.
“It makes a huge difference when Stailee is playing the way that she is now,” Hoyt said. “It gives us a lot of flexibility to put the ball in different people's hands.”
The Cowgirls started slow offensively which resulted in the team finishing well below its average of just under 90 points-per-game.
“Colorado does a great job of executing what they want to do on both sides of the court,” Hoyt said. “Today was good for us because we had to step up when our backs were against the wall.”
The Cowgirls defense countered the offensive struggles, forcing 19 turnovers and holding the Buffaloes well below its average of just under 70 points.
“We just do not like losing so it takes whatever it takes to win,” Heard said. “Whether it’s getting stops or getting the ball to the hot hand. It’s just about sticking together.”
Guard Micah Gray joined the ranks of Cowgirls who have been beaten up. She played Sunday’s game with a facemask after breaking her nose in practice during the week. The mask did not hinder her play, she finished with 15 points.
“She is so steady and poised no matter what is going on,” Hoyt said. “We really needed that. I actually think the mask may have helped her.”
aOklahoma State remains with one loss at home this season as conference season gets into full swing.
“The momentum that we get was from our fans is unbelievable,” Heard said. “The way they show up, all praise goes to them.”
