One game into the season, Oklahoma State already looks like it has some traction.
The Cowgirls are back at Gallagher-Iba Arena on Friday for a 5 p.m. meeting with Morgan State, the second stop in a three-game homestand and the second straight game serving as the opener for the Cowboys in a home doubleheader. Oklahoma State is 1-0 after rolling past Southern on Monday, while Morgan State arrives at 1-1 after a Wednesday loss at Colorado.
Jacie Hoyt’s revamped roster made a strong first impression in the opener. With a team built around transfers and one veteran holdover in guard Stailee Heard, the Cowgirls handled Southern 81-39 and looked every bit like a group that has spent the early part of the season coming together fast.
Audi Crooks was the headline in her Oklahoma State debut. The center scored 22 points and hit 9 of 10 shots from the floor, a start that put her in the Top 10 all-time in players that have scored at least 20 points on 90% shooting or better.
The Cowgirls also got a well-rounded effort from Liv McGill, who returned after missing the exhibition against Langston. She finished with seven points, 10 rebounds, five assists and a steal in the opener, directing the offense and keeping things moving despite five turnovers.
Friday’s matchup gives Oklahoma State another chance to keep building at home, where the Cowgirls have been tough to beat in non-conference play. A win would be their 10th straight at Gallagher-Iba Arena and would move them to 35-2 at home over the last two seasons. OSU has already won 28 non-conference games going into the contest.
Morgan State comes in with a busy road stretch already underway. The Bears opened with a win over Washington Adventist on Monday, then were beaten 83-38 by Colorado on Wednesday. They’ll play Oklahoma State, then Oklahoma on Sunday, before heading to the 401 Invitational in Baltimore.
The Bears don’t have a player averaging double figures yet. Mihjae Hayes leads the way at 8.5 points per game, and nine Bears are averaging at least five points, though not all have appeared in both games. Nearly the whole roster has seen action in at least one contest.
Hayes is the name to watch for Morgan State, especially if she ends up matched with McGill. In her second season with the Bears, Hayes averaged 5.7 points, 2.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists last year.
Through two games this season, she’s up to 4.5 assists per game and already has eight steals against just two turnovers. That combination makes her a real test for McGill and the Cowgirls’ ball security.
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