As the Oklahoma Sooners women's basketball team gears up for a clash against the Georgia Bulldogs, head coach Jennie Baranczyk shared her insights on the team's preparation and key players. The No.
11 Sooners, sporting a 19-6 record, are set to face the No. 24 Bulldogs, who stand at 20-6.
The game promises to be an exciting showdown, airing at 5:30 pm on ESPN.
Freshman Poise in Conference Play
Coach Baranczyk had high praise for freshman guard Aaliyah Chavez, whose performance has been a standout this season. Chavez is averaging 18 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4 assists per game, shooting 37% from the field. Her consistency has been a cornerstone for the Sooners' offense.
Baranczyk expressed confidence in Chavez's shooting ability, emphasizing the importance of her approach rather than the outcome. She acknowledged the learning curve for her young roster as they adapt to the challenges of SEC play after moving from the Big 12. The transition involves facing new teams and navigating the intricacies of the transfer portal.
Verhulst Working Back into Form
Guard Payton Verhulst is on the mend after an ankle injury sustained during the recent victory over Alabama. Despite the setback, Verhulst made a notable return in the fourth quarter, contributing 17 points, four rebounds, and one assist.
Coach Baranczyk mentioned that Verhulst is gradually increasing her practice activity as she recovers. The team is prepared to support her as she regains full strength, highlighting the importance of team dynamics in overcoming individual challenges.
Momentum into a Top-25 Matchup
Looking ahead, Baranczyk discussed her philosophy on game officiating, preferring minimal interruptions to maintain the flow of play. Her focus remains on keeping the team centered and avoiding distractions from officiating debates.
With a recent win over No. 23 Alabama, the Sooners are eager to carry their momentum into the matchup against Georgia.
The Bulldogs, despite losing three of their last five games, are coming off a significant victory over No. 5 Vanderbilt.
This sets the stage for a thrilling test in conference play, as both teams aim to solidify their standings.