Can Jacie Hoyt and the Cowgirls maintain their momentum on the road against a struggling Arizona squad as they push for a strong February finish?
TUCSON, Arizona —
Oklahoma State Cowgirls (17-5, 6-3 Big 12) - Head Coach: Jacie Hoyt (5th Year at OSU).
Arizona Wildcats (10-10, 1-8 Big 12) - Head Coach: Becky Burke (1st Year at Arizona).
How to Watch:
Viewing: ESPN+ (Chris Harris, Joan Bonvicini, Mackenzie Hamilton); Time: 3:00 PM CST (2:00 PM MST).
Radio: KGFY — 105.5 FM, Varsity Network App (Casey Kendrick, Ryan Cameron).
Venue: McKale Center, Tucson, Arizona (Capacity: 14,688).
The matchup between Oklahoma State and Arizona is still in its infancy, thanks to Arizona’s recent addition to the Big 12 Conference.
The Cowgirls lead the series 1-0 following their sole encounter last season on February 12, 2025, in Stillwater, where OSU triumphed 83-64.
In that contest, the Cowgirls’ potent offense proved too much for Arizona, with Micah Gray and Stailee Heard teaming up for 35 points on efficient shooting.
Arizona turned the ball over 18 times, which OSU converted into 22 points off turnovers.
This season, Oklahoma State boasts a solid 3-3 road record, while Arizona holds a 7-4 mark at home but has lost their last three Big 12 home games.
Sunday’s game will be OSU’s inaugural trip to the iconic McKale Center since the conference expansion, a venue known for its raucous atmosphere, though Arizona’s current struggles may temper the home-court advantage.
Riding the wave of a convincing 67-51 home win over BYU on January 29, the Cowgirls demonstrated their defensive ability by holding the Cougars to well under their season scoring average.
Oklahoma State’s offense remains one of the nation’s elite, pouring in 85.9 points per game, which ranks 9th in NCAA Division I women’s basketball.
Their sharpshooting from deep is a major weapon, with a 35.9% three-point shooting percentage that places them in the top 50 nationally.
Standout performers include senior guard Micah Gray (15.1 PPG, 36.0% from three) and junior guard/forward Stailee Heard (around 13.7 PPG, 3.3 rebounds), who anchor a lineup brimming with scoring options and defensive tenacity.
On the defensive end, OSU forces an impressive 17.8 turnovers per game (top 25 nationally) and restricts opponents to 61.8 points per contest (130th in the nation). However, road contests have revealed occasional vulnerabilities, as evidenced by their 79-65 defeat at Colorado on January 25, where poor shooting (38% from the field) and 15 turnovers hindered their efforts.
To thrive in Tucson, the Cowgirls must leverage their up-tempo transition play and prioritize ball protection.
Sitting at 6-3 in Big 12 play, Oklahoma State is firmly in contention for a strong NCAA Tournament seed, but they must make a decisive push through their February schedule, including road tests against Arizona State, Kansas, and a home clash with Baylor, to lock in a favorable positioning.
A victory here against a bottom-tier conference opponent would enhance their resume and build confidence for the stretch run.
The Wildcats are grappling with a five-game skid, capped by a 68-61 setback against in-state foe Arizona State on January 28.
Arizona’s offense averages 71.6 points per game (89th nationally), but their defense has been leaky, surrendering 69.6 points (297th).
They connect on 45.0% of their field goals but lag from beyond the arc at 30.3%, ranking outside the top 200. Leading the charge is graduate guard Mickayla Perdue (17.1 PPG), who shoulders much of the scoring burden with her versatility and aggression.
Senior guard Noelani Cornfield contributes defensively with 1.0 steals per game and has dished out around 8 assists in recent outings, providing playmaking support.
Arizona excels in rebounding (37.2 per game) and gets solid bench contributions, but turnovers (15.0 per game) and subpar three-point defense (32.0% allowed) have plagued them in league action.
In her inaugural season at Arizona after a successful stint at Buffalo, Coach Becky Burke has guided the team to non-conference successes but secured just one Big 12 win—a tight 75-72 triumph over BYU on January 7.
Fatigued from a demanding slate, the Wildcats require sharper perimeter defense to neutralize OSU’s shooters.
An upset victory could inject life into their campaign, but their 1-8 conference record underscores the challenges of integrating into the expanded Big 12.
Player to Watch
Micah Gray (Senior Guard, Oklahoma State)
Posting 15.1 points, 2.0 assists, and 0.9 steals per game, Gray is OSU’s premier perimeter threat, draining 36.0% of her threes on 161 attempts (56 made).
Against BYU, she tallied 14 points and delivered timely defensive plays. Her floor-spacing and transition scoring could exploit Arizona’s porous three-point defense, potentially swinging the game if she heats up early.
Additional Notes:
This contest offers Oklahoma State a golden chance to gain steam in February, a critical month featuring manageable games that could propel their NCAA seeding from a projected 5-7 to a 3-4 or better with consistent showings.
The Cowgirls’ top-10 scoring attack starkly contrasts Arizona’s defensive woes, priming the stage for a high-scoring affair if the Wildcats rediscover their offensive groove at home.
OSU has historically dominated similar tilts, claiming 11 of their last 13 against squads with sub-.500 conference records. Meanwhile, Arizona hopes to disrupt the narrative and halt their slide ahead of tougher foes.