Fighting for a spot in the Big 12 tournament championship game, top-seeded Texas defeated fourth-seeded Oklahoma State 64-57 on Saturday. Texas and Oklahoma State split the regular season series, with each team winning its home court matchup. 

Oklahoma State advanced to the semifinals by way of a last second shot by Oklahoma State guard Terryn Milton, giving the Cowgirls their first second-half lead and the win over West Virginia. Texas played a very sloppy game against Kansas State but pulled away for the win. 

In the first half, three-point shooting from both teams was the star of the show, with each team making 50% of shots attempted from behind the arc. Oklahoma State is the Big 12’s best three-point shooting team, making over 36% of attempted threes on the season. 

Texas found success on offense early, scoring on its first possession with a basket from junior forward Khadija Faye. Graduate guard Shaylee Gonzales, the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year,  scored nine points from 3-pointers, sparking the Longhorns’ offensive success.

Sophomore point guard Rori Harmon brought her season assist total to over 200, making her the first Longhorn to do so since Edwina Brown in 1990. Harmon dished out 10 assists, scored 11 points and grabbed seven rebounds, her fifth double-double of the season.

After only scoring six points against Kansas State, Gonzales, Texas’s leading scorer, showcased her scoring ability with 17 points. Gonzales made three of five attempted 3-pointers, contributing to Texas’ above average three-point shooting day. 

Junior forward DeYona Gaston continued her strong play around the rim with 14 points and five rebounds. Gaston has shined so far in the tournament and is the only Texas player to score in double figures in each game.

Junior guard Shay Holle added 13 of her own points and dished out four assists. Holle played all 40 minutes for the third time this season after moving into the starting lineup in place of injured graduate guard Sonya Morris. 

Texas was outrebounded by Oklahoma State 34-31 but found the edge in second chance points and points in the paint. The Longhorn’s defense forced 17 turnovers and converted them into 21 points off turnovers. 

Faye struggled to find success on offense, scoring only four points, but was a force to be reckoned with on defense. Faye hauled in seven rebounds, blocked two shots and snatched two steals.

Led by Big 12 Coach of the Year Vic Schaefer, the suffocating Texas defense is now 21-0 when holding an opponent to 59 points or less. Schaefer’s defensive schemes have proved to be best in the Big 12 as Texas only allows 57.4 points per game.

Texas will return to the court tomorrow for a chance to win back-to-back Big 12 Tournament championships for the first time in program history against Iowa State. In the regular season, Texas split the series with Iowa State, with both teams winning on their home floors.