OXFORD, Miss. — In an exciting matchup on Thursday night, Payton Verhulst shone for the No. 15 Oklahoma team, scoring 19 points, including 10 during the crucial fourth quarter, to help secure a 66-56 victory over Mississippi. Sahara Williams also contributed significantly, adding 14 points to the team’s efforts. The victory came after a challenging stretch for Oklahoma (17-6, 5-5 SEC), which had experienced back-to-back losses for the first time this season and had only managed to win one of their last four games.
With 3:50 left in the game, Kennedy Todd-Williams made a layup to tie the score at 54-54. However, Nevaeh Tot was able to sink one of two free throws shortly after. Verhulst quickly followed up with a layup and a three-pointer, which put Oklahoma back in control. Williams then stepped up with two successful foul shots and after stealing the ball, she managed to convert a layup while being fouled. She completed the three-point play, extending the Oklahoma lead to 65-56 with just 56 seconds left in the game.
Madison Scott had earlier given Ole Miss (15-7, 6-4) their most significant advantage in the game with a jumper, leading 51-44 nearly three minutes into the fourth quarter. Verhulst responded by hitting a jumper, followed by Lexy Key’s three-pointer, and then another three-point play from Verhulst, allowing Oklahoma to regain the lead just moments later.
Starr Jacobs led the scoring for Ole Miss with 15 points, while Christeen Iwuala added 11 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Williams had an explosive start to the first quarter, hitting a three-pointer and completing a three-point play that ignited a 15-4 run for Oklahoma, establishing a 24-9 lead. Ole Miss managed to respond by scoring 10 of the last 12 points in the half, cutting their deficit down to just 31-29 by halftime.
In a historical note, Scott tied with Peggie Gillom for the most games played at Ole Miss, reaching 144 appearances. The Sooners are set to face Auburn at home on Monday, while Ole Miss will host No. 11 Kentucky on the same day.
