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Oklahoma Women’s Basketball Triumphs Over Auburn 73-71

Vickie HelmBy No Comments4 Mins Read
Oklahoma Women's Basketball Triumphs Over Auburn 73 71

The No. 16 ranked Oklahoma Sooners (18-6, 6-5 SEC) secured a narrow victory against Auburn (12-12, 3-8 SEC) with a score of 73-71 on Monday night at the Lloyd Noble Center.

Here are three key takeaways from the game:

Enhanced Ball Movement

Oklahoma has struggled with communication issues this season, frequently leading to turnovers and misplaced passes. However, during the matchup against Auburn, there was a noticeable improvement in how the Sooners moved the ball.

The team averaged 21.9 assists per game, recording 21 assists against the Tigers. Despite this, the Sooners committed 20 turnovers, which allowed Auburn to capitalize with 26 points. This marked a significant improvement from the previous game against Mississippi, where Oklahoma had 26 turnovers.

“We struggle because we’re averaging giving up 25 points a game,” stated head coach Jennie Baranczyk. “When we don’t, we perform really well. When we do, it often leads to a close finish where we risk giving up a 10-point lead in just one minute.”

Key Performers: Skylar Vann and Payton Verhulst

Redshirt senior guard Skylar Vann and senior guard Payton Verhulst emerged as the star scorers against Auburn.

Although Vann has faced challenges offensively throughout the season, she delivered an impressive performance, shooting 9-for-15 from the field and contributing one of the Sooners’ five three-pointers. Vann finished with 20 points, five rebounds, and four assists.

“I need to feel I have a chance to score when I have the ball, especially during a mismatch,” Vann said. “I certainly embraced that opportunity today, and it felt great.”

Meanwhile, Verhulst played aggressively after two consecutive double-doubles, contributing to five three-pointers with a tally of two successful shots from nine attempts—the most made by a Sooner in the game. She concluded her performance with 15 points, six rebounds, and one assist.

Struggles with Personal Fouls

The Sooners have frequently encountered foul troubles this season. In their last game against Mississippi, Oklahoma accrued 21 personal fouls, resulting in Vann fouling out with five.

Against Auburn, four Oklahoma players found themselves in foul trouble. Sophomore forward Sahara Williams and junior guard Reyna Scott recorded three fouls each, while redshirt senior center/forward Liz Scott and Vann faced four fouls apiece.

The ongoing stoppages due to fouls and turnovers impacted the game’s rhythm, enabling Auburn to gain a late lead in the fourth quarter. Nonetheless, the Sooners maintained their aggressive style of play and clinched the victory at home.

Next, Oklahoma will face Missouri (13-13, 2-9 SEC) on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Missouri, broadcasted on SEC Network.

Upcoming Match Details

Oklahoma vs. Auburn

TV Channel: SEC Network

Start Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Lloyd Noble Center

Notes: This marked the second meeting between the teams, and the first in Norman.

Oklahoma Women’s Basketball Schedule

  • Nov. 4: Oklahoma 76, Southern 44
  • Nov. 8: Oklahoma 95, Virginia 51
  • Nov. 13: Oklahoma 122, Western Carolina 56
  • Nov. 19: Oklahoma 79, Wichita State 49
  • Nov. 22: Oklahoma 88, UNLV 58
  • Nov. 25: Oklahoma 85, DePaul 62
  • Nov. 27: Duke 109, Oklahoma 99
  • Dec. 4: Oklahoma 78, Louisville 72
  • Dec. 8: Oklahoma 110, Alabama State 46
  • Dec. 15: Oklahoma 94, Oral Roberts 54
  • Dec. 17: Oklahoma 72, Michigan 62
  • Dec. 22: Oklahoma 111, Omaha 65
  • Dec. 29: Oklahoma 82, New Mexico State 64
  • Jan. 2: Texas 80, Oklahoma 73
  • Jan. 5: Oklahoma 87, Tennessee 86
  • Jan. 9: Mississippi State 81, Oklahoma 77
  • Jan. 12: Oklahoma 77, Texas A&M 62
  • Jan. 16: Oklahoma 80, Missouri 63
  • Jan. 19: South Carolina 101, Oklahoma 60
  • Jan. 26: Oklahoma 86, Georgia 55
  • Jan. 30: LSU 107, Oklahoma 100
  • Feb. 2: Kentucky 95, Oklahoma 86
  • Feb. 6: Oklahoma 66, Mississippi 56
  • Feb. 10: vs. Auburn at 7 p.m. (TV: SEC Network)
  • Feb. 16: at Missouri at 1 p.m. (TV: SEC Network)
  • Feb. 20: vs. Vanderbilt at 6 p.m. (TV: SEC Network)
  • Feb. 23: at Arkansas at 2 p.m. (TV: SEC Network)
  • Feb. 27: at Florida at 6 p.m. (TV: SEC Network)
  • March 2: vs. Alabama at 1:30 p.m. (TV: SEC Network)
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