Wednesday evening marked another pivotal event in a historic season for the women’s basketball team. With a 64-48 defeat at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Okla., the Wildcats were handed their first loss of the season.
The reigning Big 12 champions will look to bounce back following the tough loss. The Wildcats led the contest at halftime, but a late run led by twins Courtney and Ashley Paris pushed the Sooners to victory.
The Wildcats as they now must prove that they deserve the No. 17 ranking in the nation.
At first glance, a 10-point victory at home against Arkansas seems to be the only impressive part of K-State’s schedule. However, this loss against Oklahoma, a team that many pick to finish atop the Big 12 standings, will not affect the talent and potential of this team.
The Wildcats proved themselves throughout their non-conference campaign, including their ability to win on the road. The Wildcats were 7-0 in road games during non-conference play, including a 2-0 road trip against Pac 10 opponents during the winter break.
Not only have the Wildcats proven their ability to win on the road, but key players have compiled impressive statistics.
Senior guard Shalee Lehning, a preseason top 30 pick for the prestigious Wooden Award, has guided the Wildcat offense, leading the nation with 9.2 assists per game and holding the Big 12 career record for triple-doubles with four in her prolific career.
Lehning cemented herself in K-State women’s basketball history by breaking the K-State career assist record this season.
Leading the offense in scoring, junior Ashley Sweat has emerged as a major threat for opponents, averaging 16.1 points per game.
On the defensive side of the ball, senior forward Marlies Gipson is averaging a Big 12 best 3.9 blocks per game.
While the loss at Oklahoma is a setback for the Wildcats, the weapons the team possesses give it the potential for another Big 12 championship.
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