BYU Upsets No. 20 Oklahoma State in Thrilling 68-64 Victory

PROVO, Utah — BYU women’s basketball pulled off a stunning upset on Saturday, defeating No. 20 Oklahoma State 68-64 in a thrilling Big 12 matchup at the Marriott Center.

Emma Calvert led the Cougars with a game-high 19 points and grabbed seven rebounds, playing a crucial role in the victory that halted BYU’s two-game losing streak. The win marks BYU’s first against a ranked opponent since defeating Baylor on February 7 of the previous year, improving their overall record to 13-12 and 4-10 in conference play.

The Cougars managed to rally from a five-point deficit in the fourth quarter. A game-changing moment came when freshman Kambree Barber grabbed an offensive rebound from a missed free throw and scored a putback, extending BYU’s lead to 64-60 with just 21 seconds left in the contest.

“I think we really showed our character in this game,” Calvert said. “It wasn’t just about one person; we moved the ball and made smart decisions down the stretch.”

BYU executed well despite facing a formidable Oklahoma State defense. The Cougars shot 50% from the field, converting 24 of 48 shots, while limiting the Cowgirls to just 32% from beyond the arc. Delaney Gibb supported Calvert by adding 14 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.

Oklahoma State struggled to find their rhythm, with Anna Gret Asi and Tenin Magassa each contributing 13 points. The Cowgirls, who came into the game on a two-game winning streak, suffered from turnover woes, committing 20 turnovers compared to BYU’s 24.

Asi’s three-pointer put Oklahoma State ahead 58-53 with just under six minutes remaining, but they wouldn’t connect on another field goal until Micah Gray’s three, which narrowed the deficit to 64-63 with just 18 seconds left. However, Gibb and Calvert sealed the victory by hitting four free throws in the final moments of the game.

BYU’s solid second-half performance allowed them to outscore Oklahoma State 41-33 after entering halftime tied at 31. The Cougars scored the last six points of the second quarter, showcasing their resilience when they needed it the most.

The victory not only boosts the Cougars’ confidence but also gives them momentum as they prepare for upcoming road games against Arizona and a home matchup against Arizona State.

Next, Oklahoma State will face off against Utah in Salt Lake City on Tuesday as they look to bounce back from this setback.