by STILLWATER, Okla. — No. 22 Oklahoma State opened the 2026-27 season in style Monday night, rolling past Southern 81-39 at Gallagher-Iba Arena.
Senior guard Stailee Heard started and played 27 minutes, scoring 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting, including 2-of-3 at the free-throw line, with 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. She committed 1 turnover and 2 fouls.
The Cowgirls took control early, leading 25-13 after the first quarter and 46-23 at halftime. Oklahoma State then held Southern to just 4 points in the third quarter, stretching the lead to 66-27 entering the fourth.
Audi Crooks led Oklahoma State with 22 points and 7 rebounds, and Nene Ndiaye added 16 points as three Cowgirls reached double figures.
Oklahoma State’s defense set the tone all night, limiting Southern’s second-half comeback chances and closing out a 42-point win in the opener.
The Cowgirls, now 1-0, stay home to face Morgan State on Friday, Nov. 6, at 5 p.m. CT at Gallagher-Iba Arena.
