Oklahoma
NORMAN, Okla. (03/20/2026) — The Oklahoma Sooners delivered a commanding offensive performance Friday night, dismantling the Idaho Vandals 89-59 at the Lloyd Noble Center. Firing on all cylinders, Oklahoma shot an efficient 51% from the field and asserted its dominance on the glass, showcasing the depth and firepower that makes them a formidable presence in the SEC.
From the opening tip, the Sooners set a blistering pace. After a brief back-and-forth that saw four ties and one lead change, Oklahoma seized control late in the first quarter. A three-pointer from Sahara Williams at the 2:47 mark pushed the lead to 20-13, and Kyra Gardner beat the buzzer with a 25-foot three to give the Sooners a 27-19 advantage heading into the second period.
It was in the second quarter that Oklahoma broke the game wide open. The Sooners unleashed a relentless barrage from beyond the arc, effectively putting the game out of reach before halftime. Payton Verhulst connected on a 24-foot three-pointer with 7:21 remaining, followed just a minute later by another from Aaliyah Chavez to extend the lead to 37-22. The defining sequence belonged to Sahara Williams, who drained consecutive three-pointers just 26 seconds apart, ballooning the score to 52-31. By the time Raegan Beers hit a free throw with 23 seconds left, Oklahoma had built an insurmountable 57-35 halftime lead, outscoring Idaho 30-16 in the quarter.
Oklahoma refused to let up in the second half. Raegan Beers opened the third quarter with a quick tip-in layup, and the Sooners' defense held the Vandals to just three points in the period. A tip-in from Williams with 35 seconds on the clock capped the quarter with Oklahoma leading 76-38, a testament to their control on both ends of the floor. The fourth quarter saw both teams continue to trade baskets, with Brooklyn Stewart sinking a 20-foot jumper in the final minute to seal the 89-59 final score.
Turning Point
The game's decisive moments occurred during a three-minute stretch in the middle of the second quarter. Holding a 34-22 lead, Oklahoma's Aaliyah Chavez hit a three-pointer at the 6:24 mark. After an Idaho basket, the Sooners' offense erupted. Sahara Williams caught fire, hitting back-to-back threes at 2:31 and 2:05 to push the lead past 20 points. This offensive explosion was the knockout blow, transforming a competitive game into a runaway victory and highlighting Oklahoma’s ability to score in rapid bursts.
Star of the Game
While the box score was unavailable, Sahara Williams made her case for top performer with her timely and explosive scoring. Her three-pointer late in the first quarter helped establish Oklahoma's initial cushion. More importantly, her back-to-back threes in the second quarter were the pivotal plays that broke the game open. She later added a tip-in layup in the third, demonstrating her versatility and impact whenever she was on the court. Her contributions were central to the Sooners' overwhelming offensive output.
What It Means
For the Oklahoma Sooners, this 30-point victory is a powerful statement. Dominating an opponent with 51% shooting and a commanding 55-rebound performance reinforces their status as a well-rounded and dangerous team. The ability to generate offense from multiple players, particularly from long range, will serve them well as they navigate the tough SEC schedule.
For the Idaho Vandals, the contest was a difficult road test against a top-tier opponent. While they struggled to contain Oklahoma's offensive onslaught, players like Ana Beatriz Passos Alves da Silva and Kyra Gardner showed flashes of scoring ability. The experience gained against an athletic, high-scoring SEC team will be invaluable for the Vandals as they continue their season.