OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma City Women's Basketball team capped its regular season slate by seeing its comeback fall short against Southwestern Christian inside the Gaulke Acitivty Center on the campus of Mid-America Christian University.
TOP PERFORMERS
Amaya Gordon - 20 PTS, 8 REB, 8-12 FG
Ray Osborn - 17 PTS, 6-10 FG, 5-7 FT
Jerzie Bryant - 9 PTS, 5 REB, 5-8 FT
In a closely contested Sooner Athletic Conference matchup, Southwestern Christian held off Oklahoma City, 67-61, on Saturday afternoon. The win gives SCU a record of 10-17 overall and 9-15 in conference play, while OCU falls to 10-18 and 10-14 in SAC play..
The game opened with Kennedy Allison setting the tone early, scoring SCU's first four points in the paint, giving the Eagles a 7-2 advantage midway through the first quarter. OCU's Amaya Gordon responded with a pair of mid-range jumpers to keep the Stars close. A three-pointer from Brooke Roberson in the closing minute of the period pushed SCU ahead 14-11 after one quarter.
The second quarter saw both teams trading baskets. Allison added six quick points, including a putback off an offensive rebound. Jayden Mason's steal and fast-break layup at the six-minute mark gave SCU a 24-19 lead. Oklahoma City's Ray Osborn countered with seven points in the frame, highlighted by a tough and-one finish with under two minutes left. Despite the push, SCU ended the half on a 6-2 run capped by Chrissen Harland's three-pointer to lead 34-28 at halftime.
Coming out of the break, SCU's offense clicked. Allison continued her dominance inside, scoring back-to-back buckets to extend the Eagles' lead to double digits. Midway through the third quarter, Harland drained another three to push SCU's lead to 49-38. OCU stayed within striking distance as Jerzie Bryant provided a spark off the bench, scoring five straight points to cut the deficit to eight entering the final period.
Oklahoma City made its strongest push in the fourth quarter. Gordon opened with a quick layup, followed by Osborn's mid-range jumper to bring OCU within four points. SCU's Delaney Reimer responded with a key offensive rebound and putback, halting the momentum. With under two minutes remaining, Mason hit two critical free throws to give the Eagles a 64-58 cushion. OCU's Bryant sank a pair of free throws to pull the Stars within three, but Allison sealed the victory with a late offensive rebound, drawing a foul and converting both free throws with 12 seconds left.
Kennedy Allison led the Eagles with a game-high 21 points on 9-of-18 shooting and grabbed 10 rebounds for her double-double. Mason added 12 points and four steals, while Harland contributed 10 points and three assists. SCU connected on seven three-pointers, two each from Roberson and Harland, which proved pivotal.
For Oklahoma City, Amaya Gordon scored 20 points with eight rebounds, and Ray Osborn finished with 17 points without committing a turnover. Bryant chipped in nine points and five rebounds off the bench.
SCU's defensive intensity was crucial, forcing 14 turnovers and converting them into eight points. The Eagles outrebounded OCU 34-35, with Allison and Reimer anchoring the boards. Although Oklahoma City dominated points in the paint (30-26), they were unable to connect from beyond the arc (0-for-3).
The Eagles look to continue their momentum next Thursday as the SAC regular season approaches its final stretch.
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