(Interstat) — In a game defined by a dominant opening frame and a frantic, record-setting finish, the Oklahoma State Cowgirls outlasted the Charlotte 49ers 74-65 in a non-conference women’s basketball matchup Friday at John Gray Gymnasium.

The Cowgirls, playing in their temporary Canadian home court in Parry Sound, Ontario, improved their season record to 7-1, while the 49ers fell to an even 4-4.

Oklahoma State seized control from the opening tip, exploding for 22 points in the first quarter while holding Charlotte to just 11. The Cowgirls’ interior presence was overwhelming early, setting a tone they would maintain throughout the contest. Achol Akot, a 6-foot-1 forward from Ottawa, was instrumental in the fast start, finishing with 16 points and eight rebounds to lead the Cowgirls.

Charlotte weathered the initial storm and began to chip away at the deficit in the second quarter, outscoring Oklahoma State 15-13 to narrow the gap to 35-26 at halftime. The 49ers’ defense tightened, and the offensive efforts of Zoe Best and Tanajah Hayes, who each had 16 points, kept the game within reach.

The third quarter was a defensive struggle, with Oklahoma State managing 16 points and Charlotte adding 12. The Cowgirls maintained their comfortable lead, but the 49ers were laying the groundwork for a dramatic comeback.

That comeback materialized in a breathtaking fourth quarter. Charlotte’s offense, which had been stifled for the first thirty minutes, erupted for 27 points. The 49ers caught fire from beyond the arc, hitting a flurry of three-pointers to put immense pressure on the Cowgirls. Oklahoma State, however, had an answer for every Charlotte push, matching the 49ers’ intensity with 23 points of their own in the final period to secure the nine-point victory.

While Charlotte’s late-game shooting was remarkable, the statistical story of the game was written in the paint and on the glass. Oklahoma State dominated inside, outscoring Charlotte 42-18 on points in the paint. The Cowgirls also controlled the offensive boards, hauling in 17 offensive rebounds compared to Charlotte’s nine, creating critical second-chance opportunities.

Oklahoma State’s offensive efficiency was a key differentiator. The Cowgirls scored 74 points on just 63 possessions, a mark of a highly effective offensive performance. Charlotte, by contrast, scored its 65 points on 67 possessions. The Cowgirls also shared the ball effectively, dishing out 21 assists. Stailee Heard facilitated the offense with a team-high five assists to go along with 10 points and seven rebounds.

Beyond Akot, the Cowgirls enjoyed a balanced scoring attack. Lena Girardi provided a significant spark off the bench, contributing 15 points, including three three-pointers. Amari Whiting added 13 points and six rebounds, while Micah Gray filled the stat sheet with 10 points, six rebounds, three assists, and a block.

For Charlotte, Best’s 18 points and six rebounds led the way, but the 49ers struggled to find consistent scoring beyond her and Hayes. The team’s 40 percent shooting from the floor was hampered by Oklahoma State’s stout interior defense.

The victory extends Oklahoma State’s strong start to the season, while Charlotte will look to regroup quickly as both teams continue their neutral-site schedule in Parry Sound on Saturday.