STILLWATER, Okla. — Oklahoma State women's basketball has opened the season with plenty of offensive firepower, but it's the Cowgirls' defense that has quietly made history through the first two games.
Following an 81-39 victory over Southern in Monday's season opener, No. 22 Oklahoma State held Morgan State to just 38 points in Friday's 92-38 win at Gallagher-Iba Arena. The 38 points allowed established a new program low against a Division I opponent during Jacie Hoyt's tenure, breaking the previous mark set just four days earlier. It also marked the first time Oklahoma State held its first two opponents below 40 points since the program's inaugural season in 1974-75.
For a team featuring offensive standouts such as Audi Crooks, Liv McGill and Nene Ndiaye, the defensive production has been one of the biggest early surprises.
"I think everyone expects us to be offense, offense, offense and while we certainly have a lot of offensive weapons and we know that is where a lot of our success will come," Hoyt said following Friday's victory. "I am most proud of our defense and I think that is something that a lot of folks may not have seen coming."
Oklahoma State held Morgan State to 18.9% shooting in the first half, including just 1-of-12 from three-point range, building a 42-15 halftime advantage. However, Hoyt wasn't completely satisfied with her team's performance despite the commanding lead.
The Cowgirls had struggled through several offensive droughts, committed six turnovers in the first quarter and recorded just five assists before halftime. Hoyt challenged her players during the break to improve their execution.
"I'm really proud and I challenged the team at halftime and they stepped up and started playing Cowgirl basketball," Hoyt said. "Specifically in the third quarter and I thought Liv was a big part of that the way she contributed in so many ways."
The response was immediate. Oklahoma State outscored Morgan State 26-8 in the third quarter, with McGill facilitating the offense and helping create open perimeter opportunities. McGill assisted on consecutive three-pointers from Callin Hake and Yuting Deng, including two from Deng in less than a minute.
The Cowgirls also continued limiting Morgan State's offensive production, extending their lead to 68-23 entering the fourth quarter. McGill finished with 24 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, while Crooks added 14 points and 11 rebounds. Ndiaye contributed 16 points.
Beyond the individual performances, Oklahoma State held Morgan State to 23.5% shooting for the game and outrebounded the Bears 51-31. The Cowgirls also held a 38-20 advantage in points in the paint and a 15-5 edge in fast-break scoring.
Friday's performance marked Oklahoma State's first back-to-back games holding opponents below 40 points since the 2010-11 season. Through two games, the Cowgirls are averaging 86.5 points offensively while allowing just 38.5 points per contest.
The competition will become considerably tougher as the season progresses, making it too early to determine how dominant Oklahoma State's defense can become. Still, the early results suggest Hoyt's team could be more than just an offensive powerhouse.
The Cowgirls return to action Monday when they host Northwestern State at 11 a.m. CT inside Gallagher-Iba Arena.
