NORMAN, Okla. (Interstat) — In a stunning reversal of fortune, the Oklahoma Sooners, powered by a virtuoso performance from star guard Aaliyah Chavez, erased a 15-point deficit and dominated overtime to upset the South Carolina Gamecocks 94-82 in a nonconference women’s basketball thriller Thursday night at Lloyd Noble Center.

The game, a late-January showcase between powerhouse programs, delivered on its promise with intense runs, lead changes, and a dramatic extra period witnessed by 7,402 fans. It marked South Carolina’s second loss of the season, dropping the Gamecocks to 19-2, while Oklahoma improved to 15-4.

For three quarters, South Carolina appeared in control. The Gamecocks, utilizing relentless defensive pressure, built a 43-36 halftime lead and stretched it to 59-52 late in the third quarter. They forced 20 Oklahoma turnovers, converting them into 28 points, and held a commanding 13-4 advantage in steals. Tessa Johnson led the early charge for South Carolina, finishing with 19 points, while Raven Johnson added 16 points and five assists.

The pivotal shift began late in the third quarter and accelerated in the fourth. Oklahoma, struggling with South Carolina’s physicality, began finding seams. The Sooners closed the third on a 9-2 run to tie the game at 61, setting the stage for a tense final frame.

The fourth quarter was a grind, with both teams trading blows. South Carolina’s Joyce Edwards, who had 12 points, hit two crucial free throws with 41 seconds left to give the Gamecocks a 75-73 lead. On the ensuing possession, Oklahoma’s Raegan Beers, who battled inside for 18 points, grabbed an offensive rebound and scored a putback with 18 seconds remaining to knot the game at 75. South Carolina had a chance to win in regulation but committed a turnover, sending the game to overtime.

The extra period belonged entirely to Chavez and the Sooners. The sophomore from Lubbock, Texas, who had been contained for stretches, erupted. She scored 11 of her game-high 26 points in overtime, including three three-pointers. Her step-back three with 2:39 left gave Oklahoma an 85-80 lead it would not relinquish. She capped her night with another deep three in the final seconds, finishing with eight assists against only two turnovers.

Oklahoma outscored South Carolina 19-7 in the extra period, shooting a blistering 7-of-10 from the field while holding the Gamecocks to 2-of-9. Payton Verhulst was instrumental for the Sooners, contributing 19 points, four assists and two blocks, while Sahara Williams added 12 points and five assists.

The statistical story was one of stark contrasts. South Carolina’s defense created opportunities, but the offense could not capitalize consistently, shooting just 37 percent from the field and 23.8 percent from three-point range. Oklahoma, meanwhile, found its offensive rhythm late, finishing at 48.1 percent shooting and 39.1 percent from beyond the arc. The Sooners also won the battle in the paint, 50-40, and dished out 24 assists on 39 made field goals, showcasing superior ball movement as the game progressed.

South Carolina’s Alicia Tournebize provided a spark off the bench with nine points, but the Gamecocks’ typically formidable depth was outmatched by Oklahoma’s closing execution. The loss snapped a nine-game winning streak for South Carolina, which had not lost since late November.

The victory serves as a signature win for Oklahoma, which had dropped two of its last three entering the contest, including a 19-point loss to LSU. For South Carolina, a team with national championship aspirations, the game serves as a stark reminder of the perils of failing to close out a talented opponent on the road. Both teams now turn their attention back to conference play, with Oklahoma set to visit Auburn and South Carolina hosting Vanderbilt this Sunday.