NORMAN, Okla. — In a tightly contested battle that showcased the intensity of the NCAA Women's Tournament, No. 4 seed Oklahoma rallied from a halftime deficit to defeat fifth-seeded Michigan State 77-71 on Sunday night, securing their spot in the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive year.
Raegan Beers led the charge for the Sooners with a double-double performance, tallying 18 points and 14 rebounds. Her efforts were complemented by Aaliyah Chavez, who also scored 18 points while dishing out six assists, helping Oklahoma improve to 27-7 on the season. The victory sets up an intriguing matchup for the Sooners against the winner of Monday's game between top-seeded South Carolina and ninth-seeded Southern California—a rematch possibility, given Oklahoma's overtime win over South Carolina during the regular season.
For Michigan State, the loss ended a promising run, dropping the Spartans to 23-9. Rashunda Jones was the high scorer for the team with 20 points, while Kennedy Blair contributed 14 points and nine rebounds, and Grace VanSlooten added 13 points and seven boards. The Spartans were aiming to reach the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2009, but couldn't maintain their early momentum.
The game, played at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, began with Michigan State asserting dominance. The Spartans shot an impressive 47.1% from the field in the first half, building a 42-37 lead at the break. They capitalized on Oklahoma's struggles, holding the Sooners to just 38.9% shooting and forcing 14 turnovers during that stretch.
According to reports from the Associated Press, the second half proved to be a turning point. Early on, with Michigan State clinging to a slim 42-39 advantage, Spartans forward Jalyn Brown was assessed a flagrant foul. Chavez stepped to the line and sank both free throws, tying the score and shifting the energy in the arena.
Moments later, Beers took over inside, scoring on a close-range shot before draining a mid-range jumper to give Oklahoma its first lead of the half at 45-42. The Sooners' timeout forced by Michigan State seemed to energize the home crowd, as Oklahoma carried a 57-54 edge into the fourth quarter.
Oklahoma came out firing in the final frame. Payton Verhulst's timely 3-pointer extended the lead to 66-58, a margin that Michigan State could never fully close. The Spartans battled back but got no closer than three points the rest of the way, as the Sooners' defense tightened and their offense found rhythm.
This win marks a significant achievement for Oklahoma head coach Jennie Baranczyk, whose team has now advanced past the second round in back-to-back tournaments. The Sooners' depth and resilience were on full display, particularly in the paint where Beers dominated the glass. Michigan State's coach, Suzy Merchant, acknowledged the toughness of the matchup post-game, though specific comments from her were not immediately available in initial reports.
Looking back at the season, Oklahoma entered the tournament on a strong note, having navigated a challenging Big 12 schedule. Their regular-season victory over South Carolina—a team that has been a powerhouse in women's basketball—adds layers of intrigue to the upcoming Sweet 16 clash. Should the Gamecocks advance, it would be a revenge opportunity for South Carolina after that earlier defeat.
Michigan State, meanwhile, showed why they were a formidable Big Ten contender. Jones' scoring prowess and Blair's rebounding kept them in the fight, but the flagrant foul and subsequent run by Oklahoma proved costly. The Spartans' last Sweet 16 appearance in 2009 ended in a loss to eventual champion Connecticut, a testament to the program's sporadic deep runs in the tournament.
The NCAA Tournament's second round has been marked by upsets and close calls this year, and this game fit right in. Oklahoma's ability to overcome 14 first-half turnovers highlights their growth as a team. As the bracket progresses, the Sooners' balanced attack—led by Beers and Chavez—positions them well for a potential run deeper into March Madness.
Fans in Norman erupted as the final buzzer sounded, sending the Sooners off to the Sweet 16 with chants echoing through the arena. The next game, likely in a neutral site depending on the bracket, will test Oklahoma against elite competition once more. For Michigan State, the focus shifts to offseason preparations, building on a solid campaign.
Beyond the box score, this matchup underscored the rising talent in women's college basketball. Players like Beers, a junior forward, are emerging as stars, drawing comparisons to past Sooners greats. The tournament's expansion and increased visibility continue to spotlight these stories of perseverance and skill.
As the Sweet 16 looms, all eyes will be on how Oklahoma fares against the South Carolina-USC winner. The Gamecocks, with their undefeated regular season, represent a formidable foe, while USC's Cinderella potential adds unpredictability. Oklahoma's preparation, according to team insiders, will emphasize rebounding and ball security—lessons learned from Sunday's thriller.
In the broader context of the tournament, Oklahoma's advancement keeps the Big 12 represented strongly in the later rounds. With multiple teams from the conference still alive, the Sooners carry the flag for their program, which has a history of Sweet 16 appearances but hasn't reached the Elite Eight since 2013.