Oklahoma State Cowgirls Disappoint at the Big 12 Women's Tournament
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — For the second season in a row the Oklahoma State Cowgirls are goinging home from the Big 12 Conference Tournament earlier than they would like. This one could be costly as after earning the double bye for the second season, the Cowgirls lost to No. 12 seed Kansas State 74-73 on Friday in the Big 12 Conference Tournament quarterfinals.
Oklahoma State slipped into a mode of allowing Kansas State to take early control and then play a see-saw contest deep into the game. Oklahoma State had a solid seven-point lead late, but Kansas State used an 11-1 run to take the lead they would completely relinquish. The Cowgirls tied the game twice in the final two minutes, but never led.
Kansas State Freshman Jordan Speiser scored 18 of her career-high 21 points in the second half and was a huge part of the comeboack by the Lady Cats that included a key three-pointer by Speiser. However, it was Tess Heal that was fouled by the Cowgirls top scorer Stailee Heard. Hess stepped up and made a go-ahead free throw with 1.3 seconds left and then missed the second intentionally as Oklahoma State threw up a no-chance attempt from the lane on the opposite end of the floor.
Speiser had her three-pointer rattle in with 15.5 seconds left to extend Kansas State's lead to 73-68. Oklahoma State made two free throws to get within three points and the Cowgirls forced a jump ball to regain possession.
Haleigh Timmer made her second 3-pointer in the final minute from the right wing with 4.5 seconds left to tie it at 73-all. K-State quickly inbounded the ball and Heal was fouled near midcourt leaving Heard shaking her head in disbelief over her mistake. She wasn’t even looking when the first free throw was made before the intentional miss on the second.
Kansas State (18-16) became the first No. 12 seed to ever advance to the semifinals of the women's Big 12 Tournament.
Stailee Heard led Oklahoma State (23-9) with 18 points. Jadyn Wooten added 16 points, Timmer finished with 13 and Amari Whiting had 12.
Oklahoma State heads home to wait and see what their fate will be with the selection committee, most likely a spot in and eight-nine game that will leave them facing, if they win, a top seed on their home floor and an almost impossible task.
