In a dominant display, the No. 7 Oklahoma Sooners women’s basketball team cruised past Arkansas with an 89-44 victory at the Lloyd Noble Center, wrapping up their regular-season home games in style. This win was pivotal for the Sooners as they aim to secure a favorable seed in the upcoming SEC tournament.
Under the guidance of head coach Jennie Baranczyk, the Sooners are on track for a top-five finish in a fiercely competitive SEC. With the top five teams nationally ranked, including No.
3 South Carolina, No. 4 Texas, No.
5 Vanderbilt, No. 6 LSU, and OU, the stakes are high.
Looking ahead, the Sooners have the chance to host up to two more home games by advancing in the NCAA Tournament. While they’re likely to remain a top-four seed, they face pressure from No.
19 Mississippi, who is also vying for a first-round home game. The Sooners will need to maintain their momentum in their final regular-season game and the SEC Tournament to secure their position.
Senior center Raegan Beers emphasized the journey ahead: “The SEC isn't over. We’ve got one more game, the SEC tournament, and then March Madness. We couldn’t overlook Arkansas tonight, and playing team basketball is key as we head into the tournament.”
On Senior Night, the Sooners celebrated the contributions of seniors Payton Verhulst, Beatrice Culliton, and Beers. But it was the emerging talent that stole the spotlight. Freshman forward Brooklyn Stewart recorded her first career double-double, while freshman guard Aaliyah Chavez and sophomore guard Zya Vann combined for 29 points, showcasing the team’s bright future.
Coach Baranczyk praised Chavez’s growth, noting her increased poise and development throughout the season. Stewart’s rebounding prowess was crucial, providing the Sooners with valuable second-chance opportunities. Beers, continuing her impressive season, notched her 19th double-double, reinforcing her dominance in the paint.
Verhulst contributed with 14 points, maintaining her consistent performance throughout the season. Culliton added to the effort with points and rebounds, highlighting the team’s depth and cohesion.
Baranczyk reflected on the program’s culture, emphasizing the importance of legacy beyond the court: “These amazing women understand that legacy is more than winning games. They strive to make tomorrow better than today.”
The Sooners will conclude their regular season against Missouri, as they look to carry their momentum into the postseason.