TUCSON, Ariz. — Arizona showed flashes of resilience but couldn't overcome a dominant second-quarter surge as Oklahoma State pulled away for an 88-69 win Sunday afternoon at McKale Center.
The Wildcats (10-11, 1-9 Big 12) kept things close early, trailing just 21-18 after the first quarter and briefly taking a five-point lead midway through the opening period. Arizona's defensive pressure and activity in the paint helped keep pace early, but the Cowgirls seized control in the second quarter with a 12-0 run that swung momentum for good. Oklahoma State outscored Arizona 25-12 in the frame, taking a 46-30 lead into halftime.
Arizona responded coming out of the break, trimming the deficit with a more aggressive offensive approach in the third quarter. The Wildcats scored 19 points in the period and found success attacking inside, finishing with 38 points in the paint. However, Oklahoma State continued to answer, matching Arizona's energy and pushing the lead back to double digits behind efficient shooting and strong rebounding.
Sumayah Sugapong led Arizona with 25 points on 9-of-16 shooting, including five 3-pointers, while adding three rebounds and two assists in a full 40-minute effort. Nora Francois chipped in 11 points, and Kamryn Kitchen added 10 points and four rebounds. Arizona shot 48.3 percent from the field and 50 percent from beyond the arc, but struggled to generate consistent stops, forcing only 11 turnovers while committing 15 of its own.
Oklahoma State finished the game shooting 55.6 percent from the floor and held a 36-25 rebounding advantage, using second-chance opportunities and transition baskets to extend the margin. The Cowgirls led for more than 31 minutes and pushed the lead to as many as 25 in the fourth quarter.
Arizona closed the game strong with a 20-point fourth quarter, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome. The Wildcats will look to build on their late-game execution as they continue conference play.
The Wildcats will look to bounce back on Wednesday, February 4th, at 6:00 p.m. MST, against Kansas State inside the McKale Center. This game will be streamed live on ESPN+.
