The Oklahoma Sooners women's basketball team kicked off their NCAA Tournament journey in style, but things got intense as they advanced to the second round.
After cruising past No. 13 seed Idaho with an 89-59 victory, the No. 4 seed Sooners faced a nail-biter against No. 5 seed Michigan State, narrowly securing a 77-71 win to punch their ticket to the Sweet 16.
"It's March Madness, so physicality is the name of the game," said senior center Raegan Beers. "Playing in a tough conference prepared us well for this. Michigan State is a physical and phenomenal team."
This clash marked only the third meeting between the Sooners and the Spartans, but on the court, it was a reunion of sorts. Beers and Michigan State's Grace VanSlooten have battled it out since their high school days, adding another chapter to their rivalry in this high-stakes matchup.
Early on, it was a slugfest between the two, but the momentum shifted in OU’s favor. Beers, alongside standout freshman guard Aaliyah Chavez, took control in the second half.
Their combined efforts resulted in 36 points, 19 rebounds, and six assists. Beers notched her second tournament double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds, while Chavez added 18 points and six assists.
"What you don't see is Chavez's ability to set up plays for others," said head coach Jennie Baranczyk. "She stepped up with a big shot and crucial free throws. Her six assists show she's learning to put her team in great positions."
Michigan State didn’t go down without a fight. Guards Rashunda Jones and Kennedy Blair kept the Spartans competitive, combining for 34 points.
With VanSlooten, they accounted for 47 of the team's points. However, the rest of the lineup struggled to find rhythm, contributing only 24 points.
The Sooners' defense was pivotal in the final moments, forcing turnovers and keeping the Spartans off the free-throw line. Known more for their offensive prowess, OU demonstrated defensive grit, finishing with 28 defensive rebounds, 12 steals, and five blocks. This effort was crucial against Michigan State's high-powered offense.
"Having a supportive crowd makes it easier to push through tough games," Beers noted. "We handled it well tonight."
As the Sooners head to Sacramento, Coach Baranczyk boasts a 5-1 record at Lloyd Noble Center in the NCAA Tournament. She aims to take the program further than ever before.
"In Jennie's five years here, she's built a winning culture that's fun and hardworking," Beers added. "When we play like that, it's not just fun to watch, but fun to play."
Next up, the Sooners will face off against the winner of No. 1 seed South Carolina vs. No. 9 seed Southern California in Sacramento. The game time is yet to be announced.