Oklahoma Dominates Omaha Behind Raegan Beers’ Stellar Performance
Raegan Beers delivered a standout performance on Sunday, tying her career high with 28 points as the No. 10 Oklahoma Sooners powered past the Omaha Mavericks in a commanding 111-65 victory.
The 6-foot-4 center showcased her efficiency on offense, converting 11 of her 13 field goal attempts and pulling down nine rebounds. Beers’ dominant presence was instrumental in securing Oklahoma’s fifth consecutive win since their narrow overtime loss to Duke earlier in the season.
Team Contributions Propel the Sooners
Beers wasn’t the only standout for the Sooners. Skylar Vann contributed across the board with 12 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, narrowly missing a triple-double. Kiersten Johnson also added 12 points to Oklahoma’s robust offensive effort.
The Sooners, who entered the game as the nation’s fourth-highest scoring team with an average of 90.7 points per game, reached the 100-point mark for the third time this season. Their high-octane offense overwhelmed Omaha, leaving little room for the Mavericks to mount a response.
Mavericks’ Struggles Despite Harvey’s Effort
Omaha’s Ja Harvey was a bright spot for the Mavericks, scoring 21 points on an efficient 8-of-14 shooting. Cora Olsen added 15 points, but the rest of the team struggled to find their rhythm. Collectively, the Mavericks made just 15 of their 52 remaining shot attempts and faced difficulties keeping up with the Sooners’ pace.
The loss snapped Omaha’s seven-game winning streak, which had begun following a close 79-77 defeat against Wisconsin. The 111 points allowed marked a season-high for the Mavericks, underscoring the challenges they faced against Oklahoma’s relentless attack.
A Game of Momentum
The Sooners asserted control early, setting the tone with an 8-0 run to start the game. By the end of the first quarter, Oklahoma led 26-10, establishing a gap that Omaha struggled to close. Beers played a pivotal role in the first half, contributing 15 points and six rebounds, helping the Sooners head into halftime with a comfortable 52-34 advantage.
Oklahoma’s dominance continued in the third quarter, where they outscored Omaha 35-25. This 10-minute stretch saw the Sooners make 14 field goals, including five three-pointers, matching their highest-scoring quarter of the season. By the end of the third, Oklahoma had extended their lead to 87-59, effectively sealing the outcome before the final period.
Statistical Takeaways
For Omaha, offensive struggles were evident beyond Harvey’s efforts. While Harvey converted a commendable 8 of 14 shots, her teammates combined for a mere 29% shooting from the field. Additionally, the Mavericks’ long-range game faltered as they managed just 2 of 21 attempts from beyond the arc, a glaring contrast to Oklahoma’s 13-of-35 three-point shooting performance.
Oklahoma’s ability to dominate inside the paint and push the pace further highlighted their superiority. The Sooners outrebounded the Mavericks 57-33, showcasing their physicality on both ends of the court. They also capitalized on turnovers, forcing 20 from Omaha and converting them into transition opportunities.
Key Observations
Dominance from the Start:
Oklahoma’s early 8-0 run set the tone for the game, putting Omaha on the back foot from the opening tip. The Sooners’ fast start was reflective of their ability to establish control early and maintain it throughout.
Shooting Woes for Omaha:
The Mavericks’ inability to connect from deep proved costly. Their 2-of-21 performance from three-point range was a significant factor in their inability to keep pace with Oklahoma’s high-scoring offense.
Balanced Contributions for Oklahoma:
While Beers led the way, the Sooners benefited from contributions across the roster. Vann’s near triple-double performance and Johnson’s scoring provided depth, making Oklahoma’s attack difficult to contain.
Looking Ahead
For the Mavericks, Sunday’s loss serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by top-tier opponents. Omaha will look to bounce back when they host North Dakota on January 2. With a chance to regroup, the Mavericks aim to continue their strong season and regain the momentum they had during their seven-game win streak.
Oklahoma, on the other hand, will carry their confidence into their next matchup against New Mexico State on December 29. With a record of 11-1 and a high-powered offense clicking on all cylinders, the Sooners will look to extend their winning streak and solidify their status as one of the nation’s top teams.
Key Numbers
- First-Quarter Start: Oklahoma jumped out to a commanding 26-10 lead by the end of the first period, setting the tone for the rest of the game.
- Three-Point Shooting: Omaha managed just 9.5% from beyond the arc (2-of-21), while Oklahoma connected on 37.1% (13-of-35).
- Rebounding Edge: The Sooners outrebounded the Mavericks 57-33, underscoring their dominance in the paint.
- Turnovers: Oklahoma’s aggressive defense forced 20 turnovers, converting many of them into fast-break opportunities.
Conclusion
Oklahoma’s resounding victory over Omaha highlighted the gap between the two programs on both ends of the court. The Sooners demonstrated their ability to combine individual brilliance, as seen in Raegan Beers’ career-tying performance, with collective teamwork that overwhelmed their opponent.
As Oklahoma looks to build on their impressive form and Omaha seeks to regroup, Sunday’s game serves as a showcase of the Sooners’ potential to make a deep run this season. With their relentless pace, dominance inside, and offensive firepower, Oklahoma continues to solidify its reputation as one of the most formidable teams in the nation.
