Preview: Oklahoma State Cowgirls at Arizona State Sun Devils

TEMPE, Ariz. (Interstat) — A pivotal Big 12 women’s basketball matchup featuring two surging, identically ranked teams will unfold Wednesday night when the Oklahoma State Cowgirls visit the Arizona State Sun Devils at Wells Fargo Arena.

Both teams enter with 18-5 overall records, setting the stage for a critical conference clash that could impact seeding for the postseason tournament. The Cowgirls, riding high after an 88-69 road rout of Arizona on Sunday, have won five of their last six. The Sun Devils look to rebound after a 74-67 home loss to Kansas State on the same day.

The spotlight will be on Oklahoma State’s standout guard Stailee Heard, who is coming off a dominant 23-point, 11-rebound performance against Arizona. Heard has been a consistent force, averaging a near triple-double in a win over Iowa State (18 points, 17 rebounds, 10 assists) on Jan. 18 and scoring 21 or more points in four of her last seven games. Her versatility fuels the Cowgirls’ offense.

Arizona State will counter with forward McKinna Brackens, who scored 20 points in the loss to Kansas State. Brackens has been a key scorer for the Sun Devils, reaching double figures in five of her last seven contests, including an 18-point effort in a narrow loss at Cincinnati.

Oklahoma State’s recent success has been bolstered by strong supporting play. In the win over Arizona, Achol Akot and Micah Gray each added 22 points. Arizona State’s Gabby Elliott, who had 18 points and five rebounds against Kansas State, provides a crucial secondary scoring option alongside Brackens.

The game marks a significant test for both squads in the heart of the conference schedule. Oklahoma State aims to continue its winning momentum on the road, while Arizona State seeks to defend its home court and stabilize after a mixed stretch that saw losses in three of its last five games.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. MST Wednesday. The Sun Devils hit the road to face Baylor next on Saturday, while the Cowgirls host UCF on the same day.