MANHATTAN, Kan. — Kansas State turned a 10-point game at the half into a two-point game midway through the second half, but the Oklahoma women never gave up the lead and got back on a winning track with a 74-68 victory over the Wildcats.
OU had lost two games in three outings entering Bramlage Coliseum, where several things went right three days after a disheartening loss at West Virginia.
Despite turning each of her ankles in her last two games, junior shooting guard Aaryn Ellenberg played 37 minutes and led the Sooners (17-5, 7-3 Big 12) with 18 points.
Senior forward Joanna McFarland stayed out of foul trouble and turned in yet another double-double with 10 points and 15 rebounds, while junior point guard Morgan Hook finished with 11 points and eight assists against a single turnover.
OU shot 42.1 percent (24 of 57) from the floor, but sparkled from beyond the 3-point arc, making 10 of 20.
The Wildcats (12-10, 3-7) received a game-high 25 points from Haley Texada, 15 points from Mariah White and 14 points and 11 rebounds from Brittany Chambers.
OU trailed by as many as six points early, but took its first 10-point edge on a 3-pointer from reserve guard Nicole Kornet 7:58 before the half.
The Sooners stretched the lead to 14 points before settling for a 35-25 intermission edge.
The second half was spent holding off the Wildcats, who made it 46-44 with 9:40 to play, 61-58 with 3:41 to play and 63-60 with 2:46 to play.
Every time Kansas State made it a one-possession game, OU responded with points. The Wildcats never had the ball with a chance to lead or tie.
The Sooners are back on their home court at 4 p.m. Sunday for their first meeting this season against Bedlam rival Oklahoma State.
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