The No. 11 Oklahoma Sooners women's basketball team pulled off a thrilling 71-67 victory over No.
24 Georgia in Athens, thanks to a standout performance by freshman guard Aaliyah Chavez. This win not only bolsters OU's resume against AP Top-25 teams but also enhances their chances of hosting a first-round NCAA Tournament game in Norman.
Facing ranked opponents has become a regular challenge for the Sooners, who have gone 2-2 in their last four such matchups. They've faced tough road games against No.
4 Texas and No. 5 Vanderbilt, managing to secure wins against No.
25 Alabama and Georgia. A home victory against Florida, where they overcame a 13-point deficit, further showcases their resilience.
Under head coach Jennie Baranczyk, the Sooners have shown significant growth, especially during this critical stretch. The team is widely expected to secure a spot in the tournament, provided they maintain their current trajectory.
Chavez was the offensive engine for the Sooners, dropping 27 points on 53% shooting, marking her fourth-best performance of the season. Her ability to step up against ranked opponents has been crucial, averaging 16.3 points in such matchups. Against Georgia, she was flawless from the free-throw line, going eight for eight, which was vital with senior center Raegan Beers limited due to foul trouble.
Junior forward Sahara Williams also contributed significantly, scoring 11 points, including a crucial 3-pointer in the final minute. Beers, despite her limited time, sealed the win at the free-throw line.
On the other side, Georgia's sophomore forward Mia Woolfolk put up an impressive 29 points. This highlights a recurring challenge for the Sooners, as they’ve struggled to contain high-scoring opponents recently. As postseason play looms, tightening up defensively will be key.
Despite the challenges, OU's defense held firm when it mattered most, maintaining their perfect record this season when leading at halftime. The Sooners now aim to continue their momentum against No. 21 Tennessee this Sunday at the Lloyd Noble Center, with the game set to air on ESPN.