KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — In a thrilling contest, Payton Verhulst delivered a standout performance with 16 points, including critical free throws in the closing seconds, aiding No. 9 Oklahoma in a narrow 87-86 victory against No. 15 Tennessee on Sunday.
Despite trailing by 19 points during the third quarter, the Volunteers (13-1, 1-1 in the Southeastern Conference) launched a fierce comeback. They accumulated eight points in the final 75 seconds, largely due to two 3-pointers from Jewel Spear, who ended the game with a remarkable 28 points. However, Sara Puckett’s desperate 3-point attempt just five seconds before the final buzzer fell short, denying Tennessee a potential victory.
The Sooners (13-2, 1-1) also benefited from solid contributions, including 13 points and eight rebounds from Raegan Beers, alongside Reyna Scott and Liz Scott, who both scored 11 points each. Tennessee’s offense saw balanced scoring from Samara Spencer and Talaysia Cooper, each adding 16 points to the effort, with Ruby Whitehorn chipping in 13.
Observations
Oklahoma has enjoyed a historic run within the Big 12 Conference, but now finds itself in a competitive position within the talent-rich Southeastern Conference. Key to this transition has been Beers, a 6-foot-4 junior post player known for her reliability, despite a lack of speed.
As for Tennessee, a crucial consideration is how coach Kim Caldwell’s high-tempo offensive strategy will measure up against SEC teams. While it may take time to determine its effectiveness, Caldwell has a history of success at various levels that could bode well for her team’s adaptability.
Decisive Moment
Oklahoma managed to expand their lead to double digits for the first time midway through the third quarter when Lexy Keys hit consecutive 3-pointers. This sparked a significant 17-3 scoring run, pushing the Sooners to a 65-47 advantage.
Noteworthy Statistic
The fast-paced nature of the game saw both teams utilizing numerous substitutions. Notably, Oklahoma’s bench was highly productive, outscoring Tennessee’s reserves by a margin of 45-9.
Looking Ahead
Oklahoma will next face Mississippi State, while Tennessee prepares to host No. 6 LSU, with both matchups scheduled for Thursday night.
