No. 9 OU women's basketball (11-1) defeated No. 23 Oklahoma State (10-2) in an intense matchup fueled by an all-around performance.
Here are takeaways:
Zya Vann shines
Sophomore guard Zya Vann continued to blossom into her role in the Sooners’ offense, as she finished with 15 points on 6-of-13 shooting. This marks her second game in a row with at least points 15 after 19 against Little Rock on Thursday.
Head coach Jennie Baranczyk praised the impact Vann continues to make.
“Zya continues to (set the tone),” Baranczyk said. “Zya just did Zya things. She's so fun to coach. She's so fun to watch. She's so smooth.”
Vann played a crucial role on the defensive end as well with four rebounds and four steals, and junior forward Sahara Williams attributes the guard’s all-around success to her mindset.
“She's being her own person,” Williams said. “It's just been fun seeing her get confident and be a sponge in the game every day. She learns, shows up and works hard.”
Balanced attack
OU’s depth proved too much for OSU on both ends. All five starters scored in double figures, and six Sooners recorded at least four rebounds.
Senior center Raeagan Beers powered the Sooners with 22 points and 12 rebounds, while Williams added 18. Freshman guard Aaliyah Chavez and Vann chipped in 15 apiece, and redshirt senior guard Payton Verhulst rounded out the starters' scoring with 10.
The Sooners bench was active as well, with freshman forward Brooklyn Stewart scoring seven points on only four attempts and sophomore forward Caya Smith making her presence felt defensively with five rebounds and two steals.
Baranczyk praised Smith’s defensive performance.
“I think Caya Smith is really doing some great things,” Baranczyk said. “I think she provides such a defensive spark for us, especially in a game where we rely a lot on freshmen and sophomores.”
Smith has scored 30 points, grabbed 15 rebounds and swiped 10 steals in the last three games.
Jennie Baranczyk notes Bedlam’s importance
Baranczyk said that the OU-OSU matchup for the men and women programs is necessary for the growth of the sport.
“Our sport is booming on a national level, so we have to continue to have it rise here in the state of Oklahoma,” Baranczyk said. “It's not just about Oklahoma playing Oklahoma State. It's about providing people an opportunity to come watch these amazing men and these amazing women on one afternoon in December.”
Baranczyk also noted the importance of the last two games being played at the Paycom Center, home of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
“It's pretty neat to be able to play where the NBA champions lie,” Baranczyk said. “I mean, this is their house, and so for us to be able to have that opportunity is incredible.”
OU women’s basketball holds a 44-16 all-time record against OSU, including seven straight wins.
Next, the Sooners face North Carolina Central at noon Dec. 22 at the Lloyd Noble Center on SECN+.
This story was edited by Joshua McDaniel.
