Oklahoma
NORMAN, Okla. (03/22/2026) — In a back-and-forth battle that featured eight lead changes and eight ties, the Oklahoma Sooners secured a hard-fought 77-71 victory over the Michigan State Spartans on Sunday afternoon at the Lloyd Noble Center.
Raegan Beers posted a dominant double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds, leading a balanced Oklahoma attack that saw four players score in double figures to outlast a determined Michigan State squad in front of 6,573 fans.
How It Happened
The game began as a tightly contested affair. After Beers opened the scoring with a free throw, Michigan State answered with an offensive burst. A 24-foot three-pointer from Jalyn Brown gave the Spartans a 9-4 lead at the 7:04 mark of the first quarter. The teams traded baskets, with a Payton Verhulst three-pointer briefly putting Oklahoma ahead 15-14. However, Michigan State’s Rashunda Jones took control late in the period, scoring five consecutive points to help the Spartans build a 21-16 lead heading into the second quarter.
Oklahoma guard Aaliyah Chavez immediately made her presence felt to start the second, scoring five straight points on a jumper and a three-pointer to tie the game at 21-21 just 37 seconds into the frame. The remainder of the half saw neither team able to create significant separation. Michigan State found success from beyond the arc, with Brown hitting another deep three to push the Spartans ahead 38-34 with 2:02 left. A late free throw from Grace VanSlooten sent Michigan State into the locker room with a 42-37 advantage.
The third quarter proved to be the pivotal momentum swing. Oklahoma opened the half with renewed energy, and a 17-foot jumper by Beers at the 8:19 mark capped an 8-0 run for the Sooners, giving them their first lead since the first quarter at 43-42. The period remained a possession-by-possession struggle, with a Zya Vann pull-up jumper putting Oklahoma up 53-52. The Sooners managed to carry a slim 57-54 lead into the final 10 minutes.
Oklahoma created crucial breathing room in the fourth. After Vann extended the lead with a driving layup, Verhulst connected on a 24-foot three-pointer with 6:30 remaining to give the Sooners their largest lead of the game at 66-58.
Turning Point
While Michigan State fought to stay within striking distance, Oklahoma delivered the decisive blow late in the game. With the Spartans still within reach, Aaliyah Chavez drilled a critical 23-foot three-pointer with 2:46 on the clock, extending the Sooners' lead to 74-67. The shot deflated Michigan State’s comeback hopes and provided the cushion Oklahoma needed to secure the victory down the stretch.
Stars of the Game
Raegan Beers, Oklahoma: The Sooners’ forward was a force in the paint all afternoon. Beers finished with 18 points and a game-high 14 rebounds, anchoring an Oklahoma effort that won the rebounding battle 45-36. Her interior presence was a constant problem for the Spartans.
Aaliyah Chavez, Oklahoma: Matching Beers with 18 points, Chavez also dished out a team-high 6 assists and grabbed 5 rebounds. Her clutch three-pointer in the fourth quarter was the game's most important shot.
Rashunda Jones, Michigan State: Jones led all scorers with 20 points, adding 4 rebounds and 2 assists. She was the offensive catalyst for the Spartans, consistently creating shots and keeping her team in the game.
What It Means
For the Oklahoma Sooners, the victory demonstrates their resilience and ability to win a close, physical contest. Overcoming a halftime deficit, the Sooners leaned on their rebounding advantage and balanced scoring, with Vann (12 points, 6 assists) and Verhulst (12 points) providing key support. The win highlights their capacity to execute in critical moments.
For the Michigan State Spartans, it marks a tough end to a well-played game. The Spartans shot effectively, hitting 43% from the field and 38% from three-point range. However, 22 turnovers and the deficit on the boards ultimately proved too much to overcome. The strong performances from Jones, Kennedy Blair (14 points, 9 rebounds), and VanSlooten (13 points) showcased their offensive capabilities, but it wasn't enough to counter Oklahoma's second-half surge.