Women’s college basketball drama unfolded in the Big 12 on Wednesday night. On Thursday, it’s the SEC’s turn.
The second week of SEC action brought expected and unexpected results that are sure to keep things interesting. Here are four takeaways from Thursday night’s results.
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Texas, South Carolina take care of business
The SEC’s top-five stalwarts, No. 2 Texas and No. 3 South Carolina, showed why they occupy such a lofty position, easily picking up big wins.
The Longhorns defeated Auburn 97-36 as senior center Kyla Oldacre had a double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds, coupled with a shutout defense. almost Even stopped the Tigers from making a field goal in the first quarter.
The Gamecocks defeated Arkansas 93-58 as sophomore forward Joyce Edwards scored 22 points and senior center Madina Okot had 15 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks.
Oklahoma, Kentucky falter under pressure
In contrast, fifth-ranked Oklahoma State and sixth-ranked Kentucky failed to confirm their higher status.
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The ranking follows last week’s upsets, which both the Sooners and Wildcats succumbed to. (Of course, the result lessens the appeal of both teams’ Sunday matchup.)
No. 18 Mississippi managed to bog Oklahoma down, slowing down a fast-paced offense and holding them to a season-low 69 points on their way to a 74-69 victory.
Although the Rebels led by as many as 12 points, Oklahoma struck in the fourth quarter with a three-pointer by freshman guard Aaliyah Chavez followed by a layup by senior guard Payton Verhulst to give Oklahoma a two-point lead. Sophomore guard Sira Thienou hit three consecutive baskets to help Ole Miss halt Oklahoma’s momentum and hold on for the program’s 13th-ever victory over a top-five opponent.
Power forward Cotie McMahon had her biggest game in an Ole Miss uniform, leading the Rebels with 22 points. Tienu scored 20 points. Chavez scored Oklahoma’s team-high 26 points, including six 3-pointers, but she also committed seven turnovers.
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The defense also allowed Alabama to beat Kentucky by a lower score. The Tide won 64-51, nearly silencing the dynamic Wildcat duo of senior guard Tony Morgan and junior forward Clara Strike. Morgan shot 4-for-13 from the field while Strike shot 1-for-13 from the field; the two ended the game with a combined 18 points. Kentucky’s offensive woes were compounded by turnovers, as Alabama forced 20 turnovers and disrupted the Wildcats’ usual ball security.
This detail-oriented defense led Alabama to its highest-ranked win since 1997. Senior guard Jessica Timmons scored 24 points for the Crimson Tide.
Vandy stays perfect
Seventh-ranked Vanderbilt, the undefeated SEC upstart, managed to withstand perfect pressure and used a stellar fourth quarter to beat Missouri 99-68.
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Sophomore guard Mikaela Blacks scored 12 of her 20 points in the final frame. Four other Commodores also had double-digit scoring performances. Freshman point guard Aubrey Galvan scored 19 points, and senior forward Sasha Washington, senior wing Njakarunga Mwenanda and senior wing Justin Pisot all scored 15 points. Washington also grabbed 16 rebounds for a double-double.
LSU is (finally) on track
Highly Concerned No. 12 LSU at last They beat Georgia 80-59 for their first SEC win of the season thanks to a stellar fourth-quarter scoring performance from Georgia native senior guard Flau’Jae Johnson.
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Johnson was held scoreless in the Tigers’ loss to Vandy, but she scored 15 of her game-high 25 points in the final 10 minutes to secure LSU’s victory. Young guard Milecia Fulwili, who returned to the bench, contributed 18 points.
LSU also improved on some of the weaknesses in their recent losses.
The Tigers outrebounded the Bulldogs 43-35; LSU also scored 48 points in the paint, while Georgia scored 22 points. While 15 turnovers may still be too many for head coach Kim Mulkey, that number is better than LSU’s 22 at Vanderbilt.
