by (Norman, Ok) – Oklahoma overcame a slow start and a halftime deficit with a dominant second-half performance, pulling away late to secure a 77–71 victory over Michigan State in a hard-fought contest.
Michigan State controlled much of the opening quarter, capitalizing on early Oklahoma turnovers to build momentum. After Raegan Beers opened the scoring at the free-throw line, the Spartans responded with efficient inside scoring from Grace VanSlooten and Kennedy Blair. A late basket by VanSlooten gave Michigan State a 21–16 lead at the end of the first.
In the second quarter, Oklahoma began to find rhythm offensively behind Aaliyah Chavez, who knocked down key jumpers to tie the game early in the period. The teams traded baskets throughout a tightly contested quarter, with Oklahoma briefly taking the lead after contributions from Beers and Brooklyn Stewart. However, Michigan State closed the half strong behind Rashunda Jones, taking a 42–37 advantage into the break.
The turning point came in the third quarter as Oklahoma’s defense tightened and its offense began to click. Beers took control inside, scoring on consecutive possessions and anchoring the Sooners on both ends with rebounds and rim protection. Zya Vann and Payton Verhulst added timely baskets, helping Oklahoma flip the deficit into a 57–54 lead heading into the final quarter.
Oklahoma carried that momentum into the fourth, steadily extending its lead with balanced scoring and improved execution. Vann and Chavez delivered key buckets, while Beers continued to dominate the glass and convert in the paint. Verhulst added a crucial mid-range jumper and later iced the game at the free-throw line.
Michigan State stayed within striking distance behind continued efforts from Jones, Blair, and VanSlooten, but Oklahoma’s composure down the stretch proved decisive. The Sooners capitalized on late fouls, converting free throws to maintain separation in the closing minute.
