WICHITA, Kan. (Interstat) — In a game that defied pregame projections, the Wichita State women’s basketball team secured a decisive 79-65 victory over Oral Roberts on Tuesday afternoon at Charles Koch Arena, overcoming a significant statistical disadvantage to snap a three-game losing streak.

The Shockers, who entered the contest with a 2-9 record and were given just a 17.4% chance to win by Interstat’s ELO system, used a dominant second-half performance to pull away from the Golden Eagles in front of 4,118 fans. The win improved Wichita State to 3-9, while Oral Roberts fell to 5-6.

The most important part of the game was a decisive third-quarter surge by the Shockers that turned a narrow halftime lead into a commanding advantage. Leading just 33-30 at the break, Wichita State outscored Oral Roberts 24-13 in the pivotal third period. The Shockers shot a blistering 10 of 15 from the floor in the quarter, while their defense held the Golden Eagles to just 5-of-21 shooting. This 15-point swing established a 57-43 lead entering the final frame, a margin Oral Roberts never seriously threatened.

The victory was fueled by a breakout performance from freshman guard Abby Cater. The native of PG County, Maryland, scored a game-high 24 points in just 21 minutes off the bench, spearheading Wichita State’s offensive efficiency. Cater’s scoring outburst followed a 23-point effort in the team’s previous win over Loyola Marymount. She was complemented by backcourt mates Jaila Harding, a hometown product from Wichita who added 17 points and four assists, and Diamond Richardson of Sacramento, California, who contributed 16 points and five assists.

Oral Roberts was led by Anna Trusty of Greenwood, Arkansas, who fought for 23 points and three rebounds in 38 minutes. Jalei Oglesby of Howe, Oklahoma, added 15 points and six rebounds for the Golden Eagles.

Despite the lopsided final score, the game was tightly contested early. Oral Roberts led 16-14 after a first quarter characterized by sloppy play from both sides, with the teams combining for 11 turnovers. The Golden Eagles extended their lead to as many as seven points in the second quarter, capitalizing on Wichita State’s 10 first-half turnovers. However, the Shockers closed the half on a 9-2 run to take a three-point lead into the locker room, setting the stage for their game-breaking third quarter.

The statistical sheet told a story of contrasting efficiencies. Wichita State’s victory was built on exceptional shooting, converting 29 of 53 field goal attempts for a 54.7% clip. Oral Roberts, meanwhile, struggled to a 34.8% shooting afternoon, making 24 of 69 attempts. The Shockers also held a significant advantage at the free-throw line, making 15 of 20 attempts compared to Oral Roberts’ 10 of 11.

Wichita State overcame its own turnover issues, committing 18, by dominating the glass and protecting the rim. The Shockers outrebounded Oral Roberts 35-30 and blocked five shots, led by Treasure Thompson of Joliet, Illinois, who had three blocks to go with five points and four assists. Oral Roberts won the offensive rebounding battle 12-4 but could not translate those second chances into consistent scoring, hampered by a season-low five team assists.

The loss halted a two-game winning streak for Oral Roberts, which had defeated Idaho State and Idaho in its previous outings. Wichita State, which had lost seven of its last eight games, found a winning formula through balanced scoring and a locked-in defensive effort after halftime.

Oral Roberts will look to rebound quickly, traveling to face North Texas on Thursday. Wichita State continues its homestand, hosting Middle Tennessee on Saturday.