STILLWATER, Okla. (Interstat) — Stailee Heard scored 21 points and Oklahoma State capitalized on a decisive edge at the free-throw line to hold off a late Colorado rally for a 63-56 victory in a Big 12 women’s basketball game Sunday at Gallagher-Iba Arena.

The Cowgirls, who led for the final 36 minutes, improved to 14-4 overall. The Buffaloes fell to 11-6.

Oklahoma State built its lead by consistently drawing fouls and converting at the stripe, making 15 of 16 free throws. Colorado attempted only five, making all of them. That 10-point disparity proved critical in a game where both teams struggled with offensive efficiency.

Colorado shot 44.4% from the field but was hampered by 19 turnovers and a 3-for-13 performance from 3-point range. Oklahoma State shot just 37.7% overall but hit 8 of 21 from beyond the arc and committed four fewer turnovers.

The most important sequence of the game came in the final minute, as Oklahoma State protected a narrow lead under intense pressure. Leading 58-55 with 30 seconds remaining, the Cowgirls forced a missed 3-pointer by Colorado’s Desiree Wooten. On the ensuing possession, Heard drove for a layup while being fouled, completing the three-point play to extend the lead to 61-55 with 11 seconds left, effectively sealing the outcome.

Heard, a guard from Sapulpa, Oklahoma, added eight rebounds in 37 minutes. Her backcourt mate, Micah Gray of Oklahoma City, led all scorers with 15 points, including three 3-pointers, and was a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line in the final 19 seconds. Jadyn Wooten contributed 11 points and four assists for the Cowgirls.

Colorado was led by a double-double from Anaëlle Dutat of Cesson, France, who had 10 points and 11 rebounds. Logyn Greer and Jade Masogayo each scored 12 points for the Buffaloes, with Greer adding two blocks. Zyanna Walker finished with nine points and four assists.

Oklahoma State took control with a 12-2 run spanning the first and second quarters, turning a 6-6 tie into a 17-8 lead. The Cowgirls maintained a cushion for most of the game, leading 29-23 at halftime and 42-38 after three quarters.

Colorado mounted a serious challenge in the fourth. Trailing 48-42, the Buffaloes used a 7-0 run, capped by a Logyn Greer layup with 6:07 remaining, to take their first lead since the opening minutes at 49-48. The lead was short-lived, as Heard answered 13 seconds later with a 3-pointer to put Oklahoma State back in front for good.

The Buffaloes stayed within one possession until the final minute, but could not overtake the Cowgirls, who scored their final nine points from the free-throw line.

Oklahoma State’s offensive rating of 97.5 points per 100 possessions outpaced Colorado’s 81.9, reflecting the Cowgirls’ superior ability to generate points from their opportunities, particularly at the foul line. The Cowgirls also won the rebounding battle 36-31, grabbing 11 offensive boards.

According to Interstat’s ELO system, Oklahoma State entered with a 78.8% probability to win.

Oklahoma State travels to face Kansas on Wednesday. Colorado returns home to host Iowa State, also on Wednesday. The two teams will meet again in Boulder on Jan. 25.