STILLWATER — The Oklahoma State women’s basketball team has just secured a significant victory in the Jacie Hoyt era. In a thrilling matchup at Gallagher-Iba Arena, the Cowgirls staged a remarkable comeback, overcoming a 15-point deficit to defeat No. 9 TCU 60-59, thrilling a packed blackout crowd that rushed the floor in celebration as the final buzzer sounded.
Key Performers Shine
Sophomore Stailee Heard led the Cowgirls with 17 points, while freshman Jadyn Wooten made an impact with 14 points, all scored in the second half. Their contributions were pivotal as OSU turned the tide in the final minutes of the game. TCU’s Hailey Van Lith, a standout guard, was held to just 12 points and missed a crucial shot in the closing moments, while Sedona Prince led TCU with 22 points and 13 rebounds.
Wooten’s Fourth-Quarter Surge
After trailing at halftime, the Cowgirls found their rhythm in the second half, closing the gap significantly. With just over four minutes left in the third quarter, OSU was still down by 15 points. However, a three-point play from Micah Gray ignited an 11-4 run, culminating in a fastbreak layup by Wooten that brought energy back to the Cowgirls. Wooten, who struggled initially, went on to score eight consecutive points in the fourth quarter and assisted Heard on a critical three-pointer that gave OSU a 58-55 lead with just over a minute left.
Defensive Adjustments Pay Off
The matchup featured two of the tallest players in the Big 12: TCU’s 6-foot-7 Sedona Prince and OSU’s 6-foot-6 Tenin Magassa. Despite Prince’s strong first half, Magassa made crucial defensive adjustments that limited her effectiveness in the second half. Magassa’s contributions on defense were significant, even as she finished with modest stats of two points and five rebounds.
Game Progression
After three quarters, the Cowgirls had narrowed the score to 48-40, thanks to a strong effort in the latter part of the period. TCU had initially pulled ahead by 15 points during the second quarter, driven by Prince’s scoring prowess. The Cowgirls struggled offensively, shooting just 4 of 14 from the field and failing to make a three-pointer in that quarter. Heard and Alexia Smith were the leading scorers for OSU at halftime, each contributing seven points.
Game Details
– Date: Wednesday, Jan. 22
– Start Time: 6:30 p.m. CT
– Location: Gallagher-Iba Arena, Stillwater
– Broadcast: The game was streamed on ESPN+.
Upcoming Games
Looking ahead, the Cowgirls will continue their season with several crucial matchups, including a game against Texas Tech on January 25 and a home game against Arizona State on January 29.
Additional Coverage
For more details on the Oklahoma State women’s basketball team, including player updates and game highlights, check out the latest articles and news coverage.
This thrilling victory marks a turning point for the Cowgirls, showcasing their resilience and determination under pressure.
