BYU Women Upset No. 20 Oklahoma State, Emma Calvert Shines

In an intense showdown on Saturday, Emma Calvert led the BYU Cougars to a thrilling 68-64 victory over the No. 20 Oklahoma State Cowgirls. The game, held in Provo, Utah, saw Calvert score 19 points and grab seven rebounds, playing a pivotal role in the Cougars’ triumph.

This win is particularly significant for BYU as they navigate the competitive waters of the Big 12 conference. The Cougars’ performance, marked by strategic plays and key contributions from several players, showcases their potential and resilience as a team.

Emma Calvert Shines in Crucial Moments

Emma Calvert was the star of the night, demonstrating her prowess on the court with a remarkable performance. She scored 19 points, made seven rebounds, and shot 8 of 13 from the floor.

Her critical layup with 2:25 to play gave BYU a 62-60 lead, a momentum shift that the Cougars maintained until the final buzzer.

Key Plays That Defined the Game

Calvert’s layup was not the only highlight. Anna Gret Asi’s 3-pointer had previously stretched Oklahoma State’s lead to 58-53 with 5:49 remaining. However, the Cowgirls struggled offensively in the closing minutes, failing to hit another field goal until Micah Gray’s 3-pointer pulled them to 64-63 with just 18 seconds left.

The Cougars capitalized on these missed opportunities, with Delaney Gibb and Calvert each shooting 2 of 2 from the foul line to secure the win.

Supporting Cast: Delaney Gibb and Others Step Up

While Calvert was the standout player, Delaney Gibb also made significant contributions. Gibb added 14 points, seven rebounds, and six assists to the Cougars’ effort.

BYU’s overall shooting was impressive, with the team hitting 50% (24 of 48) from the field and 32% (6 of 19) from three-point range.

Team Dynamics and Strategy

The Cougars’ strategy was evident in their balanced attack and defensive resilience. BYU scored the last six points of the second quarter to tie the game at 31-all, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure.

Calvert’s nine points in the first half set the pace for the team, while contributions from players like Alexia Smith and Jadyn Wooten, who scored six points each, highlighted the depth of the squad.

Oklahoma State’s Performance and Challenges

Oklahoma State entered the game with a strong record, having won two straight and six of their last seven games. Anna Gret Asi and Tenin Magassa each scored 13 points for the Cowgirls.

Despite their efforts, the team struggled with consistency, particularly in the first half where they shot just 32% (11 of 34) from the field. However, they improved significantly in the second half, shooting 52% (12 of 23).

Key Takeaways for Oklahoma State

The Cowgirls will need to address their offensive lapses and improve their defensive strategies as they prepare for their next game against Utah in Salt Lake City. The loss to BYU serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining momentum and executing plays effectively, especially in the closing minutes of a game.

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Matches

Both teams have crucial games ahead. BYU will be on the road to face Arizona on Wednesday, a match that will test their ability to perform consistently away from home. For Oklahoma State, the game against Utah presents an opportunity to bounce back and regain their winning form.

Implications for the Big 12 Conference

This victory for BYU is a significant boost as they aim to improve their standing in the Big 12. With a current record of 13-12 overall and 4-10 in the conference, the Cougars will look to build on this momentum.

Oklahoma State, with a record of 20-5 overall and 10-4 in the conference, will need to regroup and focus on their upcoming challenges to maintain their position among the top teams.

Conclusion

The thrilling victory by BYU over Oklahoma State is a testament to the competitive nature of women’s college basketball.

Emma Calvert’s outstanding performance, supported by key contributions from her teammates, highlights the potential of the BYU Cougars as they navigate the season.

For Oklahoma State, the game serves as a valuable learning experience as they prepare for future matchups.

Fans can look forward to more exciting games as both teams continue to compete in the Big 12 conference.

For more detailed information on the game and other sports news, you can read the full article on ABC News.