Sooners Dominate Trojans in Lopsided Home Victory
NORMAN, Okla. (Interstat) — The Oklahoma women’s basketball team delivered a dominant performance from the opening tip, overwhelming Arkansas-Little Rock 103-48 in a nonconference game Thursday night at Lloyd Noble Center.
The 10th-ranked Sooners, now 10-1, left no doubt early, erupting for 32 points in the first quarter while holding the Trojans to 15. The offensive barrage continued as Oklahoma built a 61-23 halftime lead, effectively deciding the contest before the break. The Sooners’ 103 points marked their fourth time eclipsing the century mark this season.
Oklahoma’s attack was both balanced and explosive, led by a standout performance from Raegan Beers. The 6-foot-4 junior from Littleton, Colorado, scored a game-high 26 points, showcasing efficiency inside while also adding five assists. She was complemented by backcourt mates Zya Vann and Aaliyah Chavez, who scored 19 and 20 points respectively. Vann, a guard from Edmond, Oklahoma, also contributed two blocks and two steals, while Chavez, from Lubbock, Texas, added a block and a steal. Forward Caya Smith of Oklahoma City rounded out the double-figure scorers with 13 points.
The Sooners’ defensive pressure was equally impactful, forcing 24 Arkansas-Little Rock turnovers which they converted into 33 points. Oklahoma also dominated in the paint, outscoring the Trojans 58 to 20, and capitalized on second-chance opportunities with a 21-6 advantage on offensive rebounds.
Arkansas-Little Rock, which fell to 3-6, struggled to find any sustained rhythm against Oklahoma’s relentless pace and defensive intensity. Mya Cotto and Jordan Holman each scored 11 points to lead the Trojans. Cotto, a guard from Denver, added an assist and a block, while Holman, from Hugo, Oklahoma, contributed an assist and three steals.
The most important phase of the game was unquestionably the first quarter, where Oklahoma established immediate and total control. The Sooners opened the game on a 9-0 run, initiated by a free throw from Beers just three seconds after the opening tip. Arkansas-Little Rock committed turnovers on three of its first four possessions, allowing Oklahoma to set a frenetic tempo. By the time the Trojans scored their first field goal nearly three minutes into the game, Oklahoma had already built a 12-2 lead. The Sooners shot over 60% from the field in the period, assisted on eight of their 12 baskets, and forced eight turnovers, turning the game into a rout before many in the announced crowd of 3,292 had settled into their seats.
Oklahoma maintained its intensity through the third quarter, adding another 29 points to its total before both teams emptied their benches for the final period. The Sooners have now won four consecutive games since their lone loss to UCLA last month.
Arkansas-Little Rock, which entered the game having won two of its last three, now looks ahead to a road game at Morehead State on Tuesday. Oklahoma, meanwhile, prepares for a quick turnaround and a major in-state showdown, facing Oklahoma State in the Bedlam rivalry on Saturday in Oklahoma City.