Oklahoma Sooners’ Historic Victory
NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — In a remarkable turnaround, Aaliyah Chavez, a freshman point guard for the University of Oklahoma, showcased her resilience by scoring an astonishing 15 of her total 26 points during overtime, leading the 16th-ranked Sooners to a surprising 94-82 victory over the second-ranked South Carolina team on Thursday night. This extraordinary performance not only marked a new school record for points in an overtime period but also secured a historic win against one of the highest-ranked teams ever faced by the program.
Chavez’s Journey Through the Game
Chavez’s journey through this game was a rollercoaster; she struggled early on, managing just three points in the first half with a shooting accuracy of 1-for-7. By the end of the third quarter, her tally reached only nine points, and she finished regulation with a mediocre 4-for-14 shooting record. However, the tide turned dramatically in overtime, where she found her mark, hitting all five of her shots, including four from beyond the arc.
Recognition and Support
“She was great. She ran her team, hit big shots, handled the ball. Everything that you want a point guard to do.”
This stellar clutch performance earned significant admiration from South Carolina’s head coach, Dawn Staley. Despite her earlier struggles, Chavez attributed her confidence to her teammates.
“My teammates kept on telling me to keep on shooting,”
she reflected. Both Raegan Beers and Sahara Williams encouraged her during the tough moments, assuring her that they believed in her ability to take crucial shots. This support was vital in boosting her morale as she aimed to contribute more than just scoring, also providing seven assists throughout the game.
Chavez’s Shift in Approach
“As I entered overtime, I remained aggressive but didn’t feel the pressure to force anything.”
Chavez highlighted her shift in approach as the game progressed. Oklahoma’s coach, Jennie Baranczyk, praised her composure, saying,
“She got the ball where it needed to go, and she just played.”
Breaking the Losing Streak
This triumph was particularly significant as it broke a three-game losing streak for the Sooners, who had previously fallen to Ole Miss, Kentucky, and LSU. While Baranczyk acknowledged the monumental nature of defeating a team like South Carolina, she stressed the importance of maintaining focus moving forward.
“This isn’t the end of our road. If we treat it as a Super Bowl win, we won’t be ready for the next challenge in this league,”
she cautioned, reminding her team to stay prepared for the battles ahead.
