Oklahoma Sooners Dominate Arkansas Razorbacks
In a dominant performance on Thursday night, the No. 7 ranked Oklahoma Sooners showcased their strength by securing a resounding 89-44 victory against the Arkansas Razorbacks in Norman, Oklahoma. The standout player for the Sooners was Aaliyah Chavez, who contributed 16 points to the team’s success.
Key Contributions from Sooners Players
In a match that also marked the final regular-season home game for some Sooners players, Payton Verhulst and Raegan Beers emerged as pivotal contributors, scoring 14 points with five assists and 11 points alongside 12 rebounds, respectively. Freshman Brookelyn Stewart joined the action with a double impact, tallying 11 points and a remarkable 15 rebounds, ensuring Oklahoma has now won five consecutive games.
Team Records and Performance
Oklahoma, boasting a 22-6 record and 10-5 in the Southeastern Conference, is in a favorable position to potentially host an NCAA Tournament game, as they are expected to rank among the top 16 seeds. In stark contrast, Arkansas is struggling, having suffered their 16th straight defeat, ending the evening with an 11-19 record and an unsettling 0-15 in conference play. Taleyah Jones, who typically leads Arkansas with an average of 17.2 points per game, only managed to put up five points in this contest. The Razorbacks struggled offensively, hitting just 22.4% of their shots, including a dismal 5-for-29 from beyond the arc.
Game Highlights
The Sooners established control early in the game, initially leading 27-15 in the second quarter before going on a decisive 10-0 run that solidified their edge. At halftime, the score was 44-22 as Oklahoma’s defense limited Arkansas to 29% shooting in the first half. Moreover, the Sooners dominated at the free-throw line, scoring 12 points there without allowing a single attempt from their opponents during the first two quarters.
Chavez and Stewart were instrumental in the first half, combining for 17 points, while Oklahoma as a whole out-rebounded Arkansas 32-10 before halftime. In the third quarter, Oklahoma’s shooting improved to 50%, increasing their lead to 65-36 going into the final period. The Sooners started the fourth quarter with an explosive 16-0 run, extending the blowout before Arkansas finally got on the board with just over four minutes left.
Upcoming Matches
Both teams have quick turnarounds, with Arkansas set to host Auburn on Monday, while Oklahoma will head to Missouri on the same day, looking to extend their winning streak and secure a favorable position for the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
