NORMAN, Okla. — Payton Verhulst delivered an exceptional performance, scoring a personal best of 38 points, including six shots from beyond the arc, leading No. 13 Oklahoma to an 80-63 victory over Missouri on Thursday evening.

Verhulst’s scoring feat placed her fifth on Oklahoma’s all-time single-game scoring list, placing her just behind Madi Williams, who holds the record of 45 points achieved against West Virginia on January 3, 2021.

The standout player shined particularly in the third quarter, racking up 18 points within the first five minutes. Verhulst launched the second half with a phenomenal 9-0 run, contributing 24 points to Oklahoma’s 48, while Missouri managed to score only 32 during the same period. At one point in the third frame, she scored seven consecutive points, pushing the Sooners ahead by 21 with 5:05 remaining.

In the third quarter, Verhulst was flawless, making all six of her field goals, which included two three-pointers, and converting six free throws for a total of 20 points. Meanwhile, Missouri struggled, shooting 6 of 14 from the field and managing to put up only 15 points.

Finishing the game with an impressive shooting record of 13 for 19, Verhulst significantly aided Oklahoma (15-3, 3-2 Big 12) in achieving a 52% shooting percentage overall, including an impressive 11 of 24 from three-point territory. Raegan Beers, who has been averaging 17.2 points per game, played only 10 minutes in this game and managed to score five points, having sustained a shoulder injury during Sunday’s game against Texas A&M.

For Missouri (11-9, 0-5), Laniah Randle was a key contributor with 17 points and nine rebounds, while Grace Slaughter added 15 points to the tally.

Both teams will be back in action on Sunday, with Oklahoma set to travel to face No. 2 South Carolina and Missouri heading to Auburn for their matchup.