Sooners Fend Off Feisty Coyotes

NORMAN – Finally back to full strength, Oklahoma fended off a feisty South Dakota team Sunday with an 80-73 win.

The Sooners, who had played with a limited roster due to COVID-19 contract tracing protocol within in the program, shot 50.9% (27-for-53) from the field and 46.7% (7-for-15) from beyond the arc as three players scored in double figures. With the victory, Oklahoma improved to 2-4 on the season while South Dakota moves to 3-3.

"I just thought our poise and ability to answer when we had to have a basket was really good," said Oklahoma head coach Sherri Coale.

"With a freshman point guard, that's pretty special. [Nevaeh] Tot had a great line today; she managed the team, she handled time and score, she got the ball in the right person's hands – just a lot of really solid things. I think that's the best we've played start to finish."

Taylor Robertson led the way for the Sooners with a season-high 27 points on 8-for-11 shooting. Robertson drained four of OU's seven 3-pointers on the day and was perfect from the free throw line, hitting seven of seven.

Madi Williams did it all in her return to the court, logging 19 points, four rebounds and three assists.

Gabby Gregory put up 15 points, scoring 11 in the first half. The sophomore also pulled down six rebounds and added an assist and a steal.

Freshman point guard Nevaeh Tot filled the box score once again as she scored nine points to go with six rebounds and a career-high seven assists.

Liz Scott led all players in rebounds as she collected seven and scored six points.

The Sooners came out firing in the first half, shooting a .609 (14-for-23) clip. Gregory and Robertson combined for 25 points as OU led South Dakota 41-26 headed into the locker room at halftime.

South Dakota responded in the third quarter, cutting OU's lead to 55-50 leading into the final quarter of play. The Sooners kept their foot on the gas, scoring 25 points, which was good for the most in a quarter this season.