In a thrilling showdown at the Lloyd Noble Center, the No. 11 Oklahoma Sooners women's basketball team edged out No.
21 Tennessee with a 100-93 victory in their annual pink-out game. This win marks a significant step for head coach Jennie Baranczyk’s squad, as they continue to prove their mettle against top-tier teams.
With this latest triumph, the Sooners have improved their record against AP Top 25 opponents to 5-6, a notable leap from just a week ago.
Coach Baranczyk praised her team’s resilience and focus, emphasizing their commitment to improvement. "I honestly believe that this team decided a long time ago not to feel sorry for ourselves and just to focus on getting better," she remarked.
"We're getting this amazing experience. Every single player has made really big plays."
The victory also positions Oklahoma favorably for the NCAA Tournament. With No.
17 Mississippi suffering a heavy defeat to No. 3 South Carolina, the Sooners seized the moment to potentially reclaim a first-round game.
ESPN’s latest Bracketology had them slipping to a No. 5 seed, but their recent performances could alter that trajectory.
Oklahoma is riding a four-game winning streak, with three consecutive victories over ranked opponents. With two regular-season games left against unranked teams, the Sooners are building momentum for a strong finish in the SEC Tournament and a promising start in the NCAA Tournament.
Senior center Raegan Beers played a pivotal role in the win, bouncing back from a quieter game against Georgia to dominate with 18 points and 18 rebounds against Tennessee. Her presence in the paint was a game-changer, drawing praise from Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell, who noted, “She continues to go right back up … It takes multiple people to get on her.”
Beers’ efforts were bolstered by freshman guard Aaliyah Chavez and junior forward Sahara Williams. Chavez added 21 points, following up her impressive performance against Georgia, while Williams led the team with 22 points, tying her season high. With each starter contributing at least 15 points, the Sooners showcased a balanced and potent offensive attack.
Next up, Oklahoma will host Arkansas at 6 p.m. on Thursday, with the game broadcast on the SEC Network. As the Sooners continue their push towards March, they’re proving to be a formidable force in the SEC.